Land for Barber State Fishing Lake was purchased in 1954 for the lake, and construction was completed in 1955. The area consists of 113 acres of land ( Barber Wildlife Area) and 77 acres of water. The water area comprises an upper land of 26 acres and a lower lake of 51 acres. The upper lake was developed in 1967 by construction of a dike across the shallow upper portion of the original 77-acre lake. Camping, picnicking, and fishing are allowed throughout the area. Two boat ramps are available for boat launching, and boats are to be used for fishing only.