San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Are we allowed to use the larger pontoon style float tubes with oars? Do they frown upon float tubes with trolling motors?

Depends on who "they" is. Never heard of the lake authorities caring. Some fishermen frown on anyone, especially the ones doing better than they are.

The rules have gone out the window!

Right? Car toppers with outboards?! Sorry but that’s neither a tube nor a kayak, nor is it comparable in any way to either one. You’re just splitting hairs with your interpretation of the rules at that point

At this point bring whatever you want..... bring the bass boat too since they are allowed now

I’ve seen a 12ft pond prowler with an outboard on it at the lake. If that’s allowed, I’m sure anything resembling a float tube is ok.

Spektrum wrote: Thu May 22, 2025 3:35 pm I’ve seen a 12ft pond prowler with an outboard on it at the lake. If that’s allowed, I’m sure anything resembling a float tube is ok.

Pond prowler only come in 8ft and 10ft the plastic joh boats are 12ft. I seen the 10ft out there i have the 8ft, seen people on aluminum 12ft 14ft john boats with trolling motors but never with a outboard motor. i though outboards where not allowed ?

I have told my other yakker friend’s that your vessel (kayak and pontoon) that you guys are not a “float tube” per the City rules and regs.

A float tube per the written rules and regs says one must be seated and can not be propelled by motor.

I said one day you guys are to be asked to leave the lake either at the gate or once you’re in the water by some city official or enforcement. Take our chances, they said.

I said I don’t care either but it was a matter of principle.

Below is the City’s disclaimer:

It is your responsibility to learn and observe all rules and regulations pertaining to recreational activities at this reservoir. Violators are subject to citation, eviction from premises (without refund) and restrictions from future use of the reservoir.

Yaks and small pontoon i think are not a problem IMO if you have a trolling motor best to have it registered i have seen Fish and game out there and trust me they have seen me too but I have never been ask any questions or ask to leave .....
But I agree with false... most yaks and pontoons are taking a risk, however I do believe i read somewhere on the san diego barrett lake website, small pontoons and trolling motors are allowed with proper regulations and must be registered if trolling motors is on

I was there 5-28 and watched 2 guys using a smaller aluminum boat with an outboard. Laughed aloud...

Do they allow people to fish from Standup Paddle Boards?
Has anyone seen that out there?
I have a buddy who fishes that way exclusively and wants to know.

BeatTheSkunk wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 1:46 pm Do they allow people to fish from Standup Paddle Boards?
Has anyone seen that out there?
I have a buddy who fishes that way exclusively and wants to know.

Sounds OK as long as you are wearing chest waders since it is a drinking water lake with no body contact allowed. That they will be strict about.

Good luck in 100 degree F heat.

BeatTheSkunk wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 1:46 pm Do they allow people to fish from Standup Paddle Boards?
Has anyone seen that out there?
I have a buddy who fishes that way exclusively and wants to know.

Hmm that's a big maybe, but its probably fine as long as they stay quiet and don't go diving into the water. Hodges doesn't allow it formally but I see people down by Hernandez doing it.