History and size: Millerton State Recreation Area is located on the San Joaquin River 20 minutes northeast of Fresno in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The lake was formed when Friant Dam was constructed on the San Joaquin in 1944. The Central Valley Project reservoir, maintained and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, supplies water to San Joaquin Valley farmers through the Friant-Kern and Madera canals. The lake has 4900 surface acres when full. The reservoir surface level is 578 feet above sea level and the lake holds 520,500 acre feet of water when full.  

Fishing Season: Fishing is open year round for spotted bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, American shad, channel catfish, white catfish, crappie, bluegill and other species.  

Boating: Millerton’s shoreline has three launch ramps with parking nearby. Two boat ramps #1 and #2-5 – are found in the South Shore Recreation area. One ramp - #6- is located in the North Shore Recreation Area. Snacks, beverages, bait and boat rentals are available at Winchell Cove Marina.  

Picnicking: Picnic areas with barbecue grills and restrooms surround the lake. Groups of up to 100 may reserve the Grange Grove Picnic area. South Finegold – reachable by car and boat - has tables, wood stoves and a shaded Ramada that can accommodate 150 people.  

Camping: The north shore has 148 developed sites among oak and gray pine woodlands, 27 with electricity hookups. Each site has a table, stove and drinking water. Two group campgrounds can accommodate from 40 to 75 people.

Boat Camping: Temperance Flat has 25 first-come, first-served sites reachable by boat. North Finegold can hold 15 fully contained boats.

General Information: Millerton State Recreation Area, P.O. Box 205, Friant, CA. 93626, (559) 822-2332.  

Fishing Information: Valley Rod & Gun, 2704 Clovis Ave. Clovis CA. 93612, (559) 292-3474, Fisherman's Warehouse. 4175 E. Ashlan Ave. Fresno, CA. (559) 225-1838.

Marine Service and Repair:  John's Mobile Marine 559-389-4877