Belton Fishing Report

Jul 2, 2025

FAIR. Water stained; 84 degrees; 0.76 feet below pool. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now releasing water at a rate of 300 CFS to shed accumulated flood water. Abundant, long-lasting topwater action has been the big draw for the last two weeks as large schools of white bass, some with hundreds of individual fish, rise to the surface in the morning to pin mainly small, slow-swimming young-of-the-year shad up against the surface. This past week was not as strong or reliable as the week prior. Mornings with enough wind to ripple the surface, but not to the point of whitecapping, with cloud cover make the occurrence of topwater action much more likely. Although most bait will catch fish in these frenzies eventually, by choosing a bait which resembles the size, shape, and color of the young-of-the-year shad, the opportunity exists to catch a fish on every cast. Cork Rig with a #2 grey and white or olive and white streamers will produce catches. The cork gives the rig weight for long casts and produces commotion on the surface, while the nearly weightless streamer imitates the small shad. If topwater is absent, downrigging is the next best option to cover water. Report by Bob Maindelle, Holding the Line Guide Service. Catfish are fair. As the majority of catfish are finishing spawning activity the bite should continue to increase. Shallow water around timber with fresh shad or prepared bait can produce smaller blue catfish under 10 pounds. Flatheads are fair on live bluegill around river mouths and log piles. Channel catfish are good over baited holes and around brush piles using punch bait. Report by Brian Worley, B&S Catfishing. Anticipate increased boater traffic this weekend as we celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day.

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