Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on Millerton Lake
Millerton Lake · California · West
Millerton Lake is a 15,500-acre reservoir located in the foothills east of Fresno, offering excellent year-round bass fishing with a mix of rocky coves, submerged timber, and deep structure. The lake's clear water and varied topography make it ideal for both largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers seeking trophy-sized fish. With multiple creek arms and a healthy forage base, Millerton consistently produces quality catches and is a favorite among Central Valley bass fishermen.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Millerton Lake
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on Millerton Lake
Lake: Spring brings rising water temperatures and active spawning bass in the shallow creek arms and coves. Sight-fishing for bedding fish and working spawning areas with soft plastics and crankbaits produce excellent results.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: Summer bass move deeper and suspend around the lake's structure, ledges, and creek channels. Early morning and evening topwater action is strong, while deep-water finesse techniques work well during the heat of the day.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: Fall cooling water triggers aggressive feeding as bass chase baitfish throughout the lake. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and reaction baits excel as fish prepare for winter in transition zones.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Winter bass become lethargic but congregate in deeper areas and the main lake channel. Slow presentations like drop-shot rigs, jigs, and live bait work best in the coldest months.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Millerton Lake
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