What Mill Brook Reservoir Offers

Mill Brook Reservoir sits in the town of Greene, about 20 minutes south of Norwich, and holds a solid mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass in a setting that feels quieter than the bigger Chenango County waters. The reservoir runs roughly 200 acres when full, with shallow coves on the north end and deeper structure along the dam. Spring and fall bring the most consistent fishing—largemouth move shallow to feed, and smallmouth suspend over the deeper channels where the creek channel cuts through the middle of the lake.

The water stays relatively clear through most of the year, which means your presentation matters more than on murkier reservoirs. Sight-fishing for largemouth in the coves works well in May and June when they're spawning or guarding beds in 2 to 6 feet of water. Smallmouth respond better to structure—drop-offs, submerged timber, and rocky points—and they stay deeper than largemouth through the summer months.

Key Takeaways

  • Mill Brook Reservoir holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with largemouth dominant in shallow coves and smallmouth along deeper structure and the main creek channel.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) produce the most consistent action, especially for largemouth in the shallows.
  • The north end coves and the dam area hold the most fish; the middle section is deeper and better for smallmouth and suspended fish in summer.
  • Public access is available at the town boat launch on the north shore; parking is limited but reliable during weekday mornings.

Access and Launch Details

The Greene town boat launch sits on the north shore of the reservoir and is the only public access point. It's a single-lane concrete ramp with a small gravel parking area—room for maybe 8 to 10 vehicles. The launch is maintained by the Town of Greene Parks Department and is open year-round during daylight hours. There's no fee to launch, and the ramp is in decent shape, though it can get soft in early spring when the water level rises.

Arrive early on weekends, especially in May and September, because the lot fills by mid-morning. Weekday mornings are nearly always quiet. The launch is about 10 minutes from Route 12 if you're coming from the south; from Norwich, take Route 23 east and follow signs toward Greene village. Cell service is spotty once you're on the water, so plan your day before you leave the parking area.

Spring Fishing: Largemouth in the Shallows

April through May is when Mill Brook Reservoir fishes best for largemouth. Water temperatures climb from the mid-50s to the low 60s, and largemouth move out of the deeper winter holes into the coves on the north and west sides of the reservoir. Look for areas with fallen trees, cattail edges, or rocky banks in 3 to 8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse, crankbaits that run 4 to 6 feet deep, and soft plastics rigged on light jig heads all work.

Early May is prime spawning season, and sight-fishing can be productive if you have polarized sunglasses and patience. Largemouth guarding beds are aggressive but selective—they'll hit a bait that looks like a threat to their nest but ignore others. Work the shallow coves slowly, casting parallel to the shoreline rather than straight at the bank. If you see a fish, give it a few casts before moving on; they rarely take on the first presentation.

Summer and Smallmouth Structure

By late June, largemouth retreat to deeper water and become harder to find. Smallmouth take over as the primary target, especially along the main creek channel that runs down the center of the reservoir and near the dam. The dam area holds the deepest water—20 to 30 feet—and smallmouth suspend along the drop-offs on either side. Tubes, small swimbaits, and drop-shot rigs work better than larger lures in summer.

The middle section of the reservoir, where the creek channel widens, holds submerged timber and rocky structure that smallmouth love. Fish these areas on a slow retrieve; smallmouth in summer are less aggressive than in spring and require patience. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, when the sun pushes fish deeper. If you're fishing the dam area, stay well back from the structure itself—the dam is off-limits to boats.

Fall Transition and Second Peak

September and early October bring a second strong bite, especially for largemouth moving back into the shallows as water temperatures drop from the mid-70s to the low 60s. The coves warm faster than the main body of water, so fish them first in early September. By late September, the entire north shore becomes productive, and you can cover more water with crankbaits and spinnerbaits than you could in spring.

Smallmouth also feed aggressively in fall, and the transition period—late August through September—can be the best time to catch both species in the same day. Fish the shallow coves in early morning for largemouth, then move to the deeper structure and dam area as the sun climbs and the water warms. By October, the bite slows as water temperatures drop below 55 degrees, though it doesn't shut down entirely.

Winter and Late-Season Fishing

Winter fishing at Mill Brook Reservoir is possible but inconsistent. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, and both largemouth and smallmouth move to the deepest holes—primarily along the dam and the main creek channel. Fishing is slow, and you'll spend more time searching than catching. If you do fish in winter, focus on the deepest water and use small baits or lures on a slow presentation.

The reservoir doesn't freeze solid most years, but ice can form along the shallows by December. Check conditions before launching, and avoid the north shore coves if there's any ice present. Late November through February is the quietest time on the water, which appeals to some anglers, but the fishing doesn't justify the cold unless you're specifically targeting winter smallmouth in deep water.

Tackle and Technique Notes

Largemouth at Mill Brook respond well to medium-power spinning or baitcasting rods in the 6-foot to 6.5-foot range. Spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4 ounce), crankbaits (4 to 6 feet), and soft plastics on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigs cover most situations. Smallmouth prefer smaller presentations—tubes (2 to 3 inches), drop-shot rigs with 3 to 4-inch worms, and small swimbaits (2 to 3 inches). Use 8 to 12-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon for largemouth and 6 to 10-pound for smallmouth.

The water clarity means fish can see your line, so fluorocarbon is worth the extra cost, especially in summer. Polarized sunglasses are essential for sight-fishing in spring and for spotting structure in the shallows. A depth finder helps locate the creek channel and drop-offs in the middle and dam sections, but you can fish this reservoir effectively without one by working the obvious structure—banks, coves, and the dam area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Mill Brook Reservoir?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Water temperatures are in the 50s to 60s, and both largemouth and smallmouth feed actively. Summer fishing is possible but slower, and winter is inconsistent.

Can I fish from shore at Mill Brook Reservoir?

Shore access is limited. The boat launch area has a small shoreline, but most productive water requires a boat. The dam area is off-limits to fishing from the bank or boat.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I wade?

A boat is the best option. The reservoir is deep in most areas, and wading is not practical except in the very shallow north coves during low water. A small kayak or canoe works well if you don't have a motorboat.

What size bass are typical at Mill Brook Reservoir?

Largemouth average 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish to 18 inches. Smallmouth run slightly smaller, typically 10 to 14 inches. The reservoir doesn't produce trophy fish regularly, but it holds a solid population of keeper-size bass.

Is there a launch fee or permit required?

No fee to launch at the Greene town ramp. No special permit is required for New York State residents with a valid fishing license. Check the Town of Greene Parks Department website for any seasonal closures or maintenance schedules.