Читать книгу Fly Fishing California - Ken Hanley - Страница 15

by Jeff Solis

A good-sized impoundment surrounded by chaparral-covered hills, Barrett Lake is home to the only pure-strain northern largemouth bass in San Diego County. This fact, combined with the reservoir’s strictly limited fishing access (by reservation only), creates the likelihood of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with bass on the fly. The average catch is between 10 and 25 bass caught and released per day, with a 10-fish day being “just okay” fishing.

There are a variety of ways to fish for the beautiful bass of Barrett Lake. Your best bet is to travel by boat to one of the many arms of the reservoir, then get out and use a float tube or wade. Concentrate your efforts on one of the many large areas of flats containing structure such as submerged boulders and deadfall. If you’re content to cast surface poppers all day, you’ll catch fish. If you’re seeking bigger fish, work streamer patterns such as Clouser Minnows or Lefty’s Deceivers close to or through deadfalls, stick-ups, or other fish-attracting structure.

If you’re lucky enough to gain access, this terrific fishery is the place where you’re likely to catch more bass on a fly rod than ever before in your life. Directions to Barrett Lake will be furnished when you make your reservations.

Largemouth bass are the main attraction. Photo by John Sherman.

Type of Fish

Northern largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

Threadfin shad is the predominant baitfish, plus leeches, frogs, and bass fry.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 7–8 weight, 8–9 feet in length.

Reels: Standard click or disk drag.

Lines: WF or floating intermediate.

Leaders: 1X to 3X, 5–8 feet in length.

Wading: Wading can be very productive, but boating is best.

Flies to Use

Nymphs: Dragonfly, Damselfly, and Carey Special.

Streamers: Dave’s Crayfish, Woolly Bugger, Clouser Minnow, Lefty’s Deceiver #4.

Topwater & Subsurface: Adult Dragon or Damselfly, Shad or Frog Deer Hair Popper #4–6, Gurgler #2.

When to Fish

All day.

Seasons & Limits

Call City of San Diego Fish line 619-465-3474 or visit the City’s website at www.sandiego.gov. Reservations required as noted below. Open April through September. Strictly catch and release. Barbless hooks and lures only. No bait.

Accommodations & Services

Boat rentals are available, but no private craft are allowed.

Reservations

Weekends and Wednesdays only during the season. Contact Ticketmaster locations throughout California or www.ticketmaster.com. Current permit costs are $50 plus $7.50 service charge includes boat and motor. 1-4 anglers per boat, plus $10 per person at lake. Cash only, no credit cards or checks. California fishing license also required for ages 16 and older. No concessions or drinking water at lake. Consult web site for all rules and regulations. Advance reservations required. From San Diego take I-8 east to Japatul Road. Head south to Lyons Valley Road. Gate is past milepost #12 from this direction, or take Highway 94 east to Honey Springs Road to Lyons Valley Road, turn right, 1.7 miles to gate. Parking is extremely limited.

Rating

Barrett Lake is a 9.5 in my book.