Crappie

If you're chasing crappie near Madera, California, Millerton Lake is your best bet. This reservoir on the San Joaquin River offers excellent crappie fishing, especially in the spring when they move into the shallows to spawn. Look for submerged trees and brush piles in coves and along the shoreline, as these areas provide ideal habitat. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits, but experiment with colors to see what the fish are keying on. Fall can also be productive as the water cools and crappie school up. A local tip: the Finegold Creek arm of the lake tends to hold good numbers of crappie. Be aware that Millerton can get crowded, particularly on weekends, so plan accordingly or fish during the week for a more peaceful experience. The crappie here aren't giants, but you can find plenty of keeper-sized fish to make for a rewarding day on the water.