Millerton Lake looking healthier after stormy weather

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- This latest storm is making a lot of people happy.

The higher the levels at Millerton Lake the more recreation and irrigation benefits people can enjoy.

The change is one we all welcome at Millerton because, for now, the dry conditions have made way for a much fuller reservoir.

Behind Friant Dam, Millerton Lake looks much healthier than it has in past years especially with all the greenery. Thanks to this year's rain and runoff the lake now at 60 percent of capacity. The downpour didn't stop folks from fishing either. The bass were definitely biting.

Stephanie and Jerry Saesee of Visalia were glad to see the lake levels rising.

"It's filling up pretty fast because we were out here last week," Jerry said. "The water was down there more and now came back it started to rise the lake."

The US Bureau of Reclamation says last year at this time, 100,000-acre feet of river water flowed into the reservoir. This year, the bureau has seen 280,000-acre feet of natural river inflow which is 85 percent of average.

Kai Her was also out fishing. Kai was enjoying the rain so much he didn't even need a jacket.

"Yeah, I hope it fills to the top again like it used to be," Kai said. "It will be much more easier to fish because you get more ground to cover."

Anglers and all the waterfowl were happy to see this latest storm while farmers hope to enjoy some irrigation benefits during the summer.