Millerton Lake Fishing Report

Water temps have really jumped over the last few weeks, now hovering in the low to mid 70s. The spotted bass spawn is long done, but the bite hasn't cooled off much. Fish are still being caught running small jigs and swimbaits off points and in steep transition areas in 10–20 feet.

A few folks have reported big groupings of American shad near the mouth and further upriver... hooking into 20–30 fish on small jigs. While rare, there are some massive stripers at Millerton (22 pounder was caught in Feb), and they surely are following those shad schools. Target them with large shad style jerkbaits or swimbaits. Also some big catfish are being pulled out on night crawlers around the mouth as well.

Millerton continues to fish well through winter if you’re doing it right. Many anglers are reporting skunk days, but those locking into darker jig patterns are stacking fish. Brown, green, and other dark-colored jigs have been the deal, producing 10-20 fish days for spotted bass in the 25–30 foot range around submerged structure.

Most fish are running 1 to 3 pounds, with the occasional better one mixed in. A few smallmouth and largemouth are showing up as well. Dropshots are also getting bit, though they’re mostly producing less and smaller fish compared to the jig bite.

One interesting wrinkle lately… multiple reports of giant stripers over 15-20 pounds smashing bass mid-fight, with several anglers getting fish to the boat only to lose them at the last second. Water temps are sitting in the mid 50s... fish are active but glued to deeper structure.

The spotted bass bite has been very good this summer, with most of the action coming on finesse baits in shad and bluegill colors. Dropshots with 4-inch Robo Worms have been productive, along with Texas-rigged 6-inchers worked near structure and transition zones in around 20 feet of water. Smaller bass are hugging the shoreline and holding tight anywhere there’s a variation in structure or terrain.

Catfish action has been good in the late evenings on chicken liver and prawns. Not a lot of size, but perfect for dinner plate. Some quality bluegill are taking redworms and small flies around the lake. The bigger ones sit deeper in the school.