Lake Barrett is UNIQUE among publicly operated reservoirs and has its own set of regulations on top of the usual State DFG regulations. It is IMPORTANT that you read all the information and be sure that you understand before going. Being aware of these regs will insure your trip to Barrett will not be ruined by a citation. DFG does show up out there, in boats, and they do write you up for violations! And if you aren't aware of it - fines for DFG violations ain't cheap! So ask questions if you are uncertain about anything at all.
PLEASE CHECK THESE LINKS OFTEN FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION. IT IS ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
City Lakes “What’s New” Bulletin http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/fishbulletin.shtml
Barrett Rules and Regulations http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/barrettrules.shtml
Barrett Reservoir Info http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/barrett.shtml
City Lakes Water Levels http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/levels.shtml
SDFish Lake Barrett Page http://sdfish.com/index.php/Places-to-Fish-in-San-Diego-County/Lakes/Barrett-Lake.html
TicketMaster Barrett Info Page http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/82318
If you do not understand anything you read at those links do not hesitate to ask before you go. There are many here in this forum that have been to Barrett many times and can help with any questions that you may have. And please make sure that
everyone you bring is aware of these additional regulations also! This information is offered up here to help keep Barrett a great experience for all, including those who work at the lake.
TICKETS
Tickets are available through TicketMaster (619-220-8497 or
www.ticketmaster.com). The San Diego City Lakes requires the person who purchased the ticket to be present at the lake for the ticket to be used. If the ticket will be used by anybody other than the person who bought it, the original owner will need to call Sharon Smith at the City Lakes Department at 619-668-2050 or email
ssmith@sandiego.gov at least 2-3 days before the date on the ticket and she will change the name on the reservation list that the lake staff uses to let you into the lake. You WILL NOT be allowed in otherwise!
ACCESS
Access to and from the lake is restricted to certain times during the day and only when escorted by lake staff. Check the links above for more info (times, etc.). You must WAIT for the lake staff to lead you in and out. DO NOT TRAVEL THAT ROAD BY YOURSELF!! The road is one way! Times set for going back out are for your safety as well as those who live there at the lake.
PARKING
There are only 2 vehicles per ticket allowed. Please get your party down to 2 or less vehicles before getting to the gate. For a while last year parking was reduced to one vehicle per reservation due to construction vehicles needing space at the lake. Currently, TicketMaster is still saying: "Parking is very limited, therefore, no more than one (1) vehicles per reservation." although when tickets go on sale their site will be updated and hopefully this will change. You will need to stay aware of these potential changes by checking and rereading both the TicketMaster site and the City's “What’s New” link during the year.
BARBLESS HOOKS and NO BAIT
ALL hooks used at Barrett must be barbless. This means that the hook or hooks that you have tied on, intending to use, must have the barbs removed or smashed. There is no need to smash every barb in your tackle box, just the ones you are using. If it's tied on, it better be barbless. And this is very literal in it's meaning. It must be
smooth. When it is checked with a finger nail or when pushing through cloth, it cannot even snag fuzz. All fish must be released immediately and unharmed.
Bait of any kind, dead or alive, is not allowed. Only artificial lures can be used.
NEW THIS YEAR (2008): DFG has announced that your 2 rod stamp does not apply to Barrett Lake. One rod max in use at a time while at Barrett.
UPDATE: DFG is out at Barrett regularly enforcing these regulations and they have warned people, while writing them up for barbless violations, that on top of a substantial fine, they can confiscate any gear that was being used illegally. That includes the Rod and Reel! So it is a very real regulation with some very costly fines and penalties for violators.
Edits/updates:
3/4/2008 - revised parking info, added TicketMaster info and Water Level links
3/5/2008 - revised SDFish Lake Barrett link, added City Lakes phone number and email address
5/19/2008 - added 2 rod stamp rule change and update on barbless hook violation
