Miller's Pond is a small, shallow impoundment best for panfish and catfish in spring and fall

Miller's Pond sits about 20 miles northeast of San Antonio in the Hill Country transition zone, where limestone springs feed into a modest 40-acre reservoir. The water stays murky year-round due to clay runoff and algae blooms, which means the fish rely more on vibration and smell than sight. You'll catch mostly bluegill, longear sunfish, and channel catfish here — largemouth bass exist but are sparse and undersized. The pond works best from March through May and again in September through November, when water temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s and the fish move into shallower feeding zones.

Access is straightforward: a small county park with a gravel lot, a single boat ramp (shallow and silted, better for kayaks and canoes than trailers), and a short bank-fishing area on the south side. There's no bait shop on-site, so bring what you need from San Antonio. The pond has no facilities beyond a portable toilet, and cell service is spotty. Most days you'll have the place nearly to yourself, which is the main reason to make the drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Miller's Pond holds bluegill, longear sunfish, and channel catfish, with bass present but not the main draw.
  • Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most productive seasons; summer heat and winter cold slow the bite significantly.
  • The boat ramp is shallow and silted, so kayaks and canoes work better than motorized boats or trailers.
  • Bring your own bait and supplies from San Antonio; the pond has no on-site services beyond a portable toilet.
  • Bank fishing on the south side is free and often uncrowded, making it a good option if you don't have a boat.

What Fish Live Here and How to Target Them

Bluegill and longear sunfish dominate Miller's Pond and will take small spinners, dry flies, and live crickets or grasshoppers. Fish the shallow edges where lily pads and fallen timber create cover — these spots are usually 2 to 4 feet deep. Early morning and late afternoon produce the steadiest action. A 5- to 6-weight fly rod works well, or a light spinning rod with 4-pound test. Panfish here average 6 to 8 inches, occasionally reaching 10 inches.

Channel catfish run larger — 2 to 5 pounds is common — and respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or stink baits fished on the bottom after dark. The pond's deepest water (around 12 feet) sits near the dam on the north end, but catfish feed in the shallows too, especially at night. Set out two or three rods on rod holders and wait; catfish bites come in clusters, often between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Largemouth bass are present but scattered and typically 10 to 13 inches. If you want to target them, throw topwater plugs or soft plastics around the timber and lily pads in early morning. Don't expect consistent action, and plan to spend time covering water rather than sitting in one spot.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March through May) is Miller's Pond's strongest season. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and panfish move into the shallows to spawn. Bluegill and longear sunfish bite aggressively on small jigs, spinners, and live bait. Catfish also become active as water warms. Mornings are typically better than afternoons, and overcast days often outfish clear ones.

Summer (June through August) brings algae blooms and water temperatures above 85 degrees. The fish move deeper and bite less predictably. Early morning and dusk are your only reliable windows. Many anglers skip summer at Miller's Pond and fish larger, deeper reservoirs instead.

Fall (September through November) mirrors spring in quality. Water cools back into the 60s and 70s, and panfish feed heavily before winter. This is your second-best window for consistent action. Catfish bite well into November.

Winter (December through February) slows everything down. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, and fish become lethargic. Catfish fishing can still work on mild days, but panfish action is sparse. Most local anglers don't bother with Miller's Pond in winter.

How to Get There and What to Bring

From downtown San Antonio, take I-35 north toward Austin for about 15 miles, then exit onto TX-1604 east. Follow TX-1604 for roughly 5 miles and turn north onto Bulverde Road. Miller's Pond County Park is signed on the right after about 3 miles. The drive takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Parking is free, and the park is open dawn to dusk.

Bring your own bait — live crickets, grasshoppers, chicken liver, or cut shad — because no bait shop is nearby. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; there's no shade at the ramp or bank-fishing area. If you're bringing a boat, remember the ramp is shallow and silted; a kayak or canoe is more practical. A small cooler, headlamp (if fishing after dark for catfish), and insect repellent round out the essentials. Cell service is unreliable, so don't count on it for navigation or emergencies.

Bank Fishing vs. Boat Fishing at Miller's Pond

The south bank offers 200 yards of open access with a gentle slope into 3 to 5 feet of water. This is where most panfish congregate in spring and fall, and you can cover good water without a boat. Bank fishing works best in early morning and late afternoon. The downside is limited mobility — you're stuck in one spot, and the deeper water near the dam is unreachable.

A kayak or canoe lets you reach the timber and lily pads in the middle of the pond and access the deeper water near the dam where catfish hold. The ramp is shallow and soft, so expect to wade your boat in and out. A motorized boat is possible but not ideal; the shallow water and silt make it slow going, and the noise can spook panfish. Most anglers who bring boats choose kayaks.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rules apply. You need a valid Texas fishing license, available online or at any sporting goods store in San Antonio. Daily bag limits are 25 bluegill and other sunfish per person, and 25 channel catfish per person. Bass have a 5-fish daily limit with a 14-inch minimum length. No trotlines or juglines are allowed. The pond is open to public fishing during daylight hours; night fishing is permitted but not encouraged by the park.

Miller's Pond is a catch-and-release friendly spot for bass, but most anglers keep panfish and catfish for the table. The fish are safe to eat; water quality is good enough for consumption, though you may want to limit your intake of larger catfish due to potential mercury accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Miller's Pond at night?

Yes, night fishing is allowed, and it's actually the best time for catfish. Bring a headlamp and set out multiple rods on rod holders with chicken liver or cut shad. Most catfish bites come between 9 p.m. and midnight. The park has no lights, so come prepared for darkness.

Is there a boat launch fee?

No, parking and boat ramp use are free. The ramp is shallow and silted, so kayaks and canoes work better than trailers. If you bring a motorized boat, expect slow going and plan to wade it in and out.

What's the best bait for bluegill at Miller's Pond?

Live crickets and grasshoppers are most effective, followed by small spinners and dry flies. Bluegill here average 6 to 8 inches and bite aggressively in spring and fall. Fish the shallow edges with lily pads and fallen timber for the steadiest action.

Do I need a guide to fish Miller's Pond?

No, the pond is small and straightforward to fish on your own. Bank fishing on the south side requires no boat, and a kayak or canoe is enough to reach the deeper water. Most anglers fish without a guide and do fine, especially in spring and fall.

What should I do if the water looks too green or murky?

Algae blooms are common in summer, but the fish still bite — they rely on smell and vibration more than sight. Use live bait or scented lures, fish slower, and focus on early morning and dusk. If the bloom is severe, consider fishing a larger reservoir like Canyon Lake instead.