By Pete Gray
I was fortunate enough to be invited to fish Lake Barrett reservoir prior to the public opening on May 4, and it certainly was a day to remember. With my friend Tommy, we combined for a total of 54 bass to 3 ½ pounds, with many in the 2 pound plus range. I should note we both are not good bass fishermen, in fact, I only fish 
bass about once a year. E
ven so, the aggressive hard fighting northern strain bass in Barrett were willing to show us a good time.
The fish were stacked in very shallow water, less than 3 feet during the morning, and most were under heavy cover. We
caught fish on spinner baits, crank baits, worms, but the most effective method for us was drop shot into holes in the heavy cover, which was really fun. Most of the bites we were able to see since we were in such shallow water. The bigger females we caught had already spawned and exhibited severe wear on their tails from digging their beds. As we cruised along the shoreline in the shallow water, fish were literally hitting the side of the boat as we spooked them. We even had one jump into the boat!
We saw bald eagles, golden eagles and other spectacular wildlife. The hills were as lush and green as I have seen them in many years, and the lake was certainly higher than last year, but still very low.
If you were fortunate enough to get a ticket to fish Lake Barrett, you are in for a fun day. Enjoy!
