I had a post on the old forum that gave some suggestions for all of you that are new to Barrett. That post is gone and it is really time for an update anyway. First, let me say I’m not an expert. I have made quite a few trips to Barrett and these are some thoughts that I hope will be of value. There are many people out there with a lot of Barrett experience, so if I missed something then please feel free to chime in.

1. Barrett is a unique fishery. It is managed differently than the other city lakes. The rules are unique so please take the time to read Macro’s post and understand what Barrett is about. Laurie and the Barrett staff are proud of their lake and really want you to have a good time. Please treat them with respect and follow the rules. We are very lucky with all the financial issues the City faces to be able to fish Barrett again this year. Please don’t mess it up.

2. Unlike the other city lakes, you must be escorted in and out of Barrett. Here is the info from the website:

“Regulation of Entry: Anglers will be met at the gate and those possessing a ticket will be allowed to enter with the rest of their party. The gate will be opened at 5:00 AM (except for September when it will be opened at 5:30 AM) Anglers there at that time will be escorted to the boat dock. The attendant will continue to make trips to the gate (on the hour at 7:00 and 8:00 AM) to let in late arrivals until all parties have entered or 8:00 AM, whichever comes first. After 8:00 AM no anglers will be allowed to enter. There will be no first come, first served entry at this time. Entry by permit only!
Departure: The property owners in the area of the gate have asked that we escort anglers through the property. As a result, there may be some delay when leaving the lake. For your convenience and planning purposes, escorted departures are scheduled at 12:00 noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 PM and sunset.”

That’s the way it is. When Laurie or another staff member tells you to be back at the dock by a certain closing time (i.e. 7:40 pm) they mean be back by that time. The last train out can’t leave until everyone is back.

3. For each day that Barrett is open they sell 25 tickets. Each ticket is good for up to 4 people and it includes a boat and motor. Many people (like myself) don’t like to fish 4 people to a boat so we choose to sell off 2 spots on our ticket. These spots are commonly referred to as “tube spots.” You cannot scalp tickets, so transactions must be for face value only. In addition to the ticket price each person on the ticket also has to pay $20 each at the dock. Cash only!!!! If you are the ticket holder, collect ALL the money from your group and buy the permits all at once. It’s easier during the morning rush to keep things moving. There is a maximum of 2 vehicles per ticket. Don’t show up with 3 cars unless you plan on leaving one at the gate.

4. In spite of the fact we call them tube spots, you can use a float tube, pontoon boat, kayak or fish from shore. Shore fishing is limited because the brush is thick. If you have an electric motor on your float tube or pontoon boat you will need a CF number to get on the lake. PFD’s are required.

5. There is no concession at Barrett. You must bring everything with you. There are no in and out privileges. Once you’re in you’re in. There is no water, food, fishing licenses, ATM machines or any other thing for sale. Bring it all with you.

6. There are several miles of dirt road that leads to Barrett. If you have one of those really cool street racers that is low to the ground with a really cool air dam in the front…Leave it at home. I’m the guy behind you in the 4WD truck. You don’t need 4WD to get into Barrett, but you will need some ground clearance. If your car is really low you may want to have a friend drive.

7. Bring plenty of water. Temperatures during the warmer months can soar to 100 degrees or more. There are many days where it will hit the upper 90’s. There is virtually no shade and it gets hot in those aluminum boats.

8. Bring sunscreen and a hat!

9. There is no cell service and no pay phones. Some people with AT&T say they can get service on some parts of the lake. Don't count on it.

10. Many of us carry a small portable radio (walkie talkies). They are nice to have if you are planning on fishing away from your float tubers.

11. Rattlesnakes! Yes they are there. If you walk on shore be looking at your feet.

12. Trolling motors are nice to have. Barrett gets really windy. There are places in town that rent trolling motors. I can’t get a full day out of a single battery. Bring a spare.

13. DFG is out there all the time. You need a valid fishing license.

14. Artificial lures and barbless hooks are required. That also means 2 things. First, no scents are allowed. That means no sprays, gels, or liquid scents can be used. Scented baits like Gulp are not allowed (or so some wardens say). Second, your 2 rod stamp is not valid at Barrett.

15. Barrett has several species of fish. Large Mouth Bass (northerns), Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, and Bullheads. During the warmer months the Bluegill go crazy and they get pretty big. It's all catch and release so leave your fillet knife at home.

16. Tackle. Take your pick. Barrett is famous for its topwater bite. Spooks and PopR’s are good. I also fish the old stuff like Heddon Bassers, Lucky 13’s, Jitterbugs etc. Spinnerbaits, Buzzbaits, Crankbaits, and Jigs all catch fish. All the finesse baits like plastics, Senkos, and creature baits will work. There are even those of us that take our flyrods and fish for bass on the fly!

Well, that’s a lot of info and I hope it helps. Good luck and I hope to see you one the water.

mick

First, let me thank Mick for this post. These suggestions should not be taken lightly as you are isolated from "civilization" for the duration of your trip and there are many very simple things that you might not think of or can forget to bring to Barrett that can make a BIG difference on your day being comfortable and successful.
This thread I will leave open/unlocked for posting anything any of you can think of in addition to what Mick has already mentioned, and will eventually combine all into one pinned post of tips and suggestions.

One thing that cannot be over emphasized is not having so much as a drinking fountain out there. Many times I have been out on the lake when the temp was over 110 with no breeze. There is no such thing as too much ice or too much drinking water/gatoraide. You can always take it home with you or help a brother out that didn't bring enough.
Foods that are a good source of energy is also a very good idea. Running out of either can cut short a perfectly fine day.

Dressing correctly is also a simple thing that can make a huge difference in your day. We've all heard it before: Layers, layers, layers! It can be very cold in the morning and blazing hot when the sun pops up.
If there is even a hint of rain in the forcast a simple poncho can keep you out there fishing instead of leaving early. Always having a cheap poncho in a pocket of tackle bag just in case of scattered showers/sprinkles is easy and doesn't take up that much room.
Of course nothing beats quality rain gear if you think it's gonna really rain. No rain checks at Barrett :huh: Barrett is awesome in the rain if you are prepared.

Two things that are real easy to forget in the frenzy to get going before the sun comes up: Mick already mentioned bringing a hat. Very important! Keeps the sun from cookin' yer noggen! Managing to comfortably get through the heat of the day without cashing in and heading for the barn allows you to hit that late afternoon bite in good shape!
Second thing is SUNGLASSES!!! Remember, this is an artificial lure only lake which means you will be casting all day, standing right next to one or more guys in a boat that are also casting all day! Besides helping you to see what you're doing (hopefully you have a nice pair of polarized shades) they will also be protecting your peepers from very sharp hooks flying all around the vicinity of your head. This is adherently dangerous/an accident waiting to happen! Protect yourself!!
A good idea is to have a pair for low light times also.

These things are not meant to discourage you from going to Barrett but encourage you to go prepared so you can enjoy yourself. Trust us! A lot of these suggestions came from learning it the hard way.

Thanks Macro,

Well said. Much of this was learned the hard way. More than once I have said; “I wish I would have brought…” For that reason I leave many things in my truck just in case. I always bring a full change of clothes. I haven’t fallen in the lake yet, but my day is coming. I’ve also seen a bunch of people have problems and have learned from them.

If you come prepared you will have a great time. In the months to come, there will be a lot of good info on this forum. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are plenty of bass for everyone and I think you’ll find people are willing to share information.

mick

and make sure you tighten up your suspension on your automobile or atleast check that everything is in working condition. just my 2cents

Go ahead and throw those Rally mud-flaps on.

Or... You could just get a truck.

Anyone want to give the info on the bathroom. TP is hit or miss.

There are a few outhouses around the shoreline. I would bring my own TP just to be safe.

mick

In the past the outhouses out on the lake are stocked, but sometimes not the one at the dock, probably because of the use.

Always bring TP in a ziploc type bag. I learned the hard way and from that point on, I bring TP. Believe me your friends will thank you.

Another important thing to bring to Barrett...A CAMERA! You will want to get pics of the BIG fish you will catch. I am shooting for a Smallie this year.

Just my 3 cents...

NO NECK!! :woohoo:

IF your rods are in the back of a truck, leave the reels off, and put them in a bag or the cab... The dirt road will have you dunking your set-ups in the lake to get all the dirt off in the morning, when you should be fishing...