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Fishing in Millers Ferry Reservoir

William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir

Millers Ferry is a 17,200-acre reservoir on the ºÚÁÏÌìÌà River impounded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1969. The official name of this impoundment is William (Bill) Dannelly Reservoir; however, it is better known locally as "Millers Ferry." Numerous public access areas service the reservoir. Camping facilities are available at Corps of Engineers public use areas at East Bank, Six Mile, and Chilatchee Creek. Roland Cooper State Park offers camping, cabins, and a golf course. Lodging, restaurants and tackle are available nearby in Camden.

Millers Ferry Reservoir is a regionally important reservoir in southwest ºÚÁÏÌìÌà that provides excellent fishing opportunities. Both largemouth bass and spotted bass are considered excellent in this reservoir. This reservoir consistently produces bass of three pounds or larger. This is due in part to high fertility and a relatively stable threadfin shad population. The largemouth bass are found primarily in the backwater areas such as Alligator Slough, Houseboat Slough, Pine Barren Creek, Gee's Bend and Foster Creek. While spotted bass are found more commonly in the main river areas, look for deep points and bluff walls for good places for spotted bass angling.

Both white crappie and black crappie are perhaps Millers Ferry Reservoirs best kept secret. Angler catch rates are generally highest in late winter and early spring.  At this time, crappie are concentrated around cover in creeks such as: Foster Creek, Pine Barren Creek, Chilatchee Creek, Alligator Creek, and Bogue Chitto Creek.

Channel catfish and blue catfish are frequently targeted by local anglers, and blue catfish over thirty pounds are not uncommon. Late winter is an excellent time to catch large blues in the tailwaters below the Millers Ferry Dam. The tailwater also produces good fishing in the spring for striped bass.

Bass fishing quality at the Millers Ferry Lake is assessed from bass club tournament results. If you are a member of a bass club, please consider being a part of our Bass Angler Information Team. We use information from clubs to help better manage your lakes for fishing.

Contact the Fisheries Section's District V office for specific questions about Millers Ferry Reservoir.