Along with Upper Otay, another San Diego City lake, Barrett is one of only two reservoirs in the region that operates under highly restrictive regulations designed to protect both the fishery and the quality of the fishing experience.

The lake's regulations call for the use of barbless artificial lures only and the release of all fish in this "zero kill" fishery. These regulations were designed primarily to protect the last significant population of Northern-strain largemouth black bass in the area.

Other species include bluegill, bullheads, and both white and black crappie. Threadfin shad and silverside minnows are the primary forage fish.

For anglers accustomed to other California bass lakes, the quiet at Barrett is almost shocking. For one thing, no private boats are allowed on Barrett. This puts a crimp in you plan to use your fancy bass rig, but also means there are no irritating personal watercraft, no water-skiers and very few other fishermen. It's entirely possible to fish all day without getting close enough to another boat to have conversation, much less feel crowded.

Barrett is open three days a week -- Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can use one of the lake's rental boats, simple aluminum craft with modest motors, or you can launch a float tube or kayak.

Knowledgeable Barrett anglers know the trick is to rent a boat and use it as faster transport for float tubes or pontoon craft. Indeed, the whole Barrett experience is set up to do just that. Barrett is really isolated behind private property, so there is no shoreline development. You don't fish with folks gazing down on you from the balcony of their townhouses, like on some other lakes in the Southland. Also, there are very few trails or access around the lake. The only real way to get to the water is at the marina maintained by the city.

Just getting into Barrett is different. Because the access is through private property, you have to arrive at a gate on Lyon Valley Road, then have a city vehicle escort you through the private property. This is actually pretty easy, but it's a part of the agreement worked out by Jim Brown, the now-retired City Lakes Recreation Manager.

Barrett was closed to public in 1969, and for many years he worked behind the scenes to strike a compromise with local landowners so it could be re-opened to anglers. In 1994, he finally succeeded and Barrett was in instant hit with anglers looking for that great combination of solitude and aggressive bass action.

The basic package for fishing Barrett is also different from any lake in the area. At most other lakes, you just show up, purchase a launch-fishing permit, and go fishing -- unless, of course, the lake is already filled to capacity when you get there.