Fishing at Milliken Lake, Spartanburg County, South Carolina

• Overview

  The Spartanburg County entry here is Milliken Lake, in South Carolina. It sits at 945 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 11 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It sits higher than most water we list in South Carolina. Inman sits 2.8 miles from here and is the nearest stop. After that come Inman Mills at 3.5 miles and Boiling Springs at 5.5 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Milliken Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Fish documented in Spartanburg County include bluegill, redbreast sunfish, seagreen darter, striped jumprock and flat bullhead. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Take Milliken Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 40°F in January to roughly 78°F in July. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Milliken Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, R Milliken Pond at 1.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Milliken Lake locally before you travel.