San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Had good intel from Early Release that Barrett is being drawn down for the benefit of Otay. With Otay at near 96% full, I can’t imagine why, but when did any SD Water decision ever make sense?? Well I confirmed the drop today (at least 2ft since Wed) and it had its predictable effect on the fishing. Or maybe it was the dreaded curse of the 1st cast fish? Our usual spots in Pine seemed off and we barely scratched a few in the shallows. We did see consistent if not concentrated boils in the middle and chose to cast or troll the minnow through those zones for our majority. Total of only 15 but almost all were scrappy fighters, best just shy of a 3lb biter. Our other fish were on reapers, senkos, and the 1st on a whopper plopper. Other than it getting toasty as we left at an early 9am, Barrett was in all its glory with the sunrise and wildlife. The nest of baby herons in Pine from a month ago is still there with the mama still doing multiple food runs to feed those loud babies. Gotta think she’s about to kick them out soon to feed themselves

I was out yesterday, all day. Got 16, half were between 2.6 and 3.4 lbs (love the digital gauge). All but one on a weedless Ned rig, other on a fat Ika. Despite the 103F forecast and heat advisory warning, it was quite comfortable on the water in the tube, all I had to do was roll the waders down, drink lots of water and wet my hat. Talked to folks who were having a slower day than I was.

Still trying to figure out how to best fish the moss. Have ideas to try next outing. Constantly pulling it off my lures. I didn't see any boils in the middle and did not get any strolling (long lining) crankbaits in deep water unlike last month when a 5 lb hit it.

Nice report, when i was there about a month ago there was some talk about the water levels going down to where they where a few years ago, i believe they want to drain it up till the old parking lot was... kinda dumb IMO also otay was suppost to be drained a long time ago not sure who is making these dumb decisions they should leave it as is since fire season is around the corner.

Pond_prowler_619 wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 7:05 am Nice report, when i was there about a month ago there was some talk about the water levels going down to where they where a few years ago, i believe they want to drain it up till the old parking lot was... kinda dumb IMO also otay was suppost to be drained a long time ago not sure who is making these dumb decisions they should leave it as is since fire season is around the corner.

Man I love the parking now, albeit tight sometimes. You can make a couple of trips without that long climb from previous years. And that lower area was easily blocked by a dufass parking job along the way. A bunch of us lowers were blocked in for about an hour one day until Lorrie climbed into a boat and drove around looking for the driver and bringing back his keys.

Nice report John. Good that you found the fish.

Early release wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:11 am Nice report John. Good that you found the fish.

Hoping the fish settle in to the new lower level before our next trips!!

JWall wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 8:20 am

Pond_prowler_619 wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 7:05 am Nice report, when i was there about a month ago there was some talk about the water levels going down to where they where a few years ago, i believe they want to drain it up till the old parking lot was... kinda dumb IMO also otay was suppost to be drained a long time ago not sure who is making these dumb decisions they should leave it as is since fire season is around the corner.

Man I love the parking now, albeit tight sometimes. You can make a couple of trips without that long climb from previous years. And that lower area was easily blocked by a dufass parking job along the way. A bunch of us lowers were blocked in for about an hour one day until Lorrie climbed into a boat and drove around looking for the driver and bringing back his keys.

The new launch is awesome, the old parking lot was a mess, i remember waiting about 30 minutes one day to unload had to yell at the guys who where done unloading to move.... someone got in there feeling that day cause i cut there conversation short...

I think i remember somone posting (on the old site) up a post saying not to write on there truck cause he was blocking the way

Pond_prowler_619 wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 11:18 am I think i remember somone posting (on the old site) up a post saying not to write on there truck cause he was blocking the way

A few years ago I drove down the hill at open with only a few cars in front of me and a guy parked so bad he had already nearly blocked anyone else from parking. By the time I left the lake at 7pm, someone had ripped his back bumper clean off. Justice.

MistrRocko wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 4:38 pmA few years ago I drove down the hill at open with only a few cars in front of me and a guy parked so bad he had already nearly blocked anyone else from parking. By the time I left the lake at 7pm, someone had ripped his back bumper clean off. Justice.

Yikes!

About 10 years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Barrett a handful of times throughout the season. On more than one occasion, we had to wait at the dock for one boater who decided to fish past the scheduled time. Funny part is that they claimed they had motor trouble and that is why they were late getting back to the dock.

Fast forward 2 weeks. Same thing happens. Same guy, same excuse. 'I couldn't start 'er up!"

And then it happens again 2 weeks later.

I think Laurie finally caught on and admonished the angler, letting him know that he was holding up a bunch of people when he did that.