Weekly Report: Belton Lake Bass - February 11, 2024

Belton Lake - Overview: 

·       Interactive GIS TPWD Structure Map: Texas Fish Habitat Structures (arcgis.com)

·       Belton Lake Current Fill-level: Water Data For Texas

Belton Lake is located on the Leon River in Bell and Coryell counties and 5 miles northwest of the City of Belton, offering anglers accessible opportunities for small mouth, large mouth, and striped bass throughout early spring to late summer. 

Initially impounded in 1954 by the Army Corps of Engineers, Belton Lake sits at 594-feet above sea level (conservation pool) and spans 12,385 surface acres, boasting a 124-foot maximum depth. Water levels fluctuated from nearly 10 feet above the conservation pool to 14.5 feet below conservation pool between August 2019 and May 2023. Currently (2024-02-11 15:00), Belton Lake is 65.5% full and spans 9,455 surface-acres.

Stocking efforts initially began in 1967 with the introduction of 4,600 fingerling-sized largemouth bass. Texas Parks and Wildlife has consistently maintained Belton Lake’s population of Striped and Largemouth Bass through annual stocking. Palmetto Bass were the Striped Bass species of choice, being regularly stocked from 1977 to 2018. However, Florida Largemouth and Sunshine Bass have been the only species stocked since 2020. On average, management efforts aim to maintain a stock rate of 100 fry/acre.


Belton Lake has a Secchi depth (water transparency) averaging around six feet and classified as mesotrophic, or a moderate level of biological productivity. Much of the shoreline surrounding Belton Lake consists of steep bluffs and rocky extensions. However, sand and mud flats further upstream on the Leon River offer anglers more accessible shore-based fishing opportunities.

Striped & Largemouth Bass – Tips & Current Conditions:

            Belton Lake Largemouth fishing is best throughout early spring (Feb. – Apr.). Increasing water temperatures and elevated oxygen levels (from rainfall) encourage Bass to become more active. Bass will be primarily found in recessed coves and creeks with running water, preferably sheltered from gusting north winds, where the water will be warmer. This week, ample bird activity indicated the presence of fish and bait despite early-January cold fronts. The water temperature on Belton Lake remained consistent at 52 degrees. When seeking fish suspended in the water column, using a soft plastic fluke lure with a jig head worked best. Furthermore, easing a white, 5/8-ounce Bladed Hazy Eye Slab up off the bottom until your rod tip is high overhead while using a steady rate of rise was successful for fish remaining on the bottom.


Location: Belton Lake, Texas, USA

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