A number of rainbow and brown trout are caught in the upper portions of the lake, but not on a consistent basis. Rainbow trout are caught on a consistent basis below Friant Dam in the San Joaquin River.

Angler's will find the trout in the top twenty feet of water during the winter months and through the early spring. Trollers do best this time of year pulling minnow-imitating lures (Speedy Shiners, Rapalas, Needlefish, Kastmasters). Bank fishermen often use Berkley Power Bait or nightcrawlers.

Starting in late spring and right on through the summer, the fish move deep. A couple of techniques for these deep fish is to troll nightcrawlers behind flashers, or use Needlefish, Triple Teasers, and Rapalas in 35 to 50 of water.

There is a good population of black bass with the spotted bass being the most often caught. During the cooler months, anglers should use Power Worms, Green Weenies, and other plastic worms in 10 to 25 feet off the rocky points. Early spring, fishermen try plastic worms, grubs, and spinnerbaits along the rocky banks.

In the summer, the bass get a little tougher to catch but top-water baits like the Pop R's and Zara-Spooks will find fish in the early morning and late evening hours. Fishing crawdads, crickets, and nightcrawlers will also entice bass into feeding.

Fall months put the bass back into a springtime type pattern, except the fishing is at its best after dark. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top-water lures are most productive.

Millerton Lake kicks out some good size stripers and in good numbers. There are reports of striper being caught up to 55 pounds. During the cooler months the bite isn't as consistent, but soaking anchovies or trolling jumbo minnows in the Finegold area can be productive.

As the water temperture warms, look for striper early in the mornings, near the surface. During the warmer months the striper are aggressively feeding on shad. Anglers using lures such as Hair Raisers, Rebels, and Pop-R's around the boat launch and near the lakes head waters, often have good success.

The crappie fishing starts picking up in April, usually in the coves for experienced boaters fishing both day and night. Anglers use both small minnows and red/white mini-jigs in 10 to 18 feet of water around submerged structures. As the water warms, look for crappie in the backs of the coves where there is underwater structure.

You'll find catfish, after the water warms up. Use chicken livers, nightcrawlers, clams, and other cut bait in the coves. Fishing at night is the best time since the cats do most of thier feeding during the evening hours.

For bluegill, anglers should try fishing in coves, along muddy banks, and also where the crappie are located, with mini crawlers and mealworms. Spring and summer are usually the best months for the bluegill.