Barrett Lake
- Access
- Reservation only
- Fishing season
- May-Sept: Wed, Sat, Sun
- Shore or float tube
- $45 per person
- Boat reservation
- $150 with boat and motor
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
- Boat rentals
- Restrooms
About this lake
Barrett Lake is a City of San Diego reservoir about 35 miles east of downtown, behind Barrett Dam (1922). Access has been by reservation only since 1994, and the city describes its northern-strain largemouth bass as the last significant population of that strain in the area.
Fishing season
Fishing runs May through September on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, except the first Wednesday of each month. Reservations go on sale through Ticketmaster at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, and must be bought at least a day ahead. Entry is at 5, 6 or 7 a.m. only, and an escort leads each group to the lake. All fishing is catch and release, with artificial lures and barbless hooks only.
Boats
Private boats aren't allowed. A boat reservation includes a city 14-foot boat with an 8 hp motor for up to four people; you may bring your own motor up to 25 hp. Kayaks and float tubes are allowed with a reservation, and float tubes must stay within 150 feet of shore. All boats must be back at the dock by sunset.
In winter
From mid-October through January the lake hosts a waterfowl hunting program on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The gate is at 19886 Japatul Lyons Valley Road, Jamul. Bring photo ID for the reservation holder; each reservation allows two vehicles, and the whole group must arrive together to be escorted in.
Reservations
Ticketmaster sells reservations from 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, half online and half by phone. On the first day each household may buy one reservation. Up to three extra guests can join a boat reservation at $45 each.
- Fishing rules
- Catch and release; barbless lures
- Reservoirs program
- 619-668-2050
What's here
Fishing
Catch-and-release bass, crappie, bluegill and bullhead
Boat rentals
City 14-foot boats with 8 hp motors, by reservation
Kayaking
Kayaks and float tubes with a reservation
Restrooms
Restrooms, picnic tables and barbecue areas
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Access by reservation only; closed the first Wednesday of each month; fishing May through September on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; entry at 5, 6 or 7 a.m.sandiego.gov ↗
- Catch and release only, artificial lures with barbless hooks; no private boats, no camping, no glass, no dogs on boats; anglers 16 and older need a California fishing licensesandiego.gov ↗
- Own motors up to 25 hp; boats back at the dock by sunset; children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while underway; float tubes within 150 feet of shore and waders requiredsandiego.gov ↗
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