Belton Fishing Report
- May 24, 2023
- GOOD. Water lightly stained; 76 degrees; 12.86 feet below pool. A strong threadfin shad spawn continues most mornings with gamefish of all kinds blitzing the threadfin shad for a roughly 30-minute window concluding around 6:50 A.M. As the skies brighten and the bait moves downward in the water column and out to deeper water, white bass and hybrid striper are intercepting them in about 20-24 feet of water. Looking for boils and/or bird activity over top of these fish are significant aids in locating them. Once located, counting down MAL Heavy Lures with chartreuse tails to match spawning shad is producing catches consistently. White bass in open water have just begun to feed on the newest young of the year shad. This is occurring with increasing frequency each day, although location is quite sporadic as these fish orient on the bait, and not on the bottom features. Under tough conditions, downrigging with #13 Pet Spoons is a consistent producer. Report by Bob Maindelle, Holding the Line Guide Service. Smaller blue and trophy size catfish can be caught in 2-10 feet of water using live bait or fresh cut bait. Flathead catfish have been caught near shorelines with live perch or shad. Channel catfish are great in shallow water around timber using punch bait. Report by Brian Worley, B&S Catfishing. Crappie bite is on fire in timber and brush piles in 8-18 feet of water using jigs. Report by Zach Minnix, Jig N’ Jerk Guide Service. Anticipate heavy traffic on the lake this weekend with the Memorial Day holiday. This week is National Safe Boating Week, for more information check out Texas Parks and Wildlife online and search for “Boating Safety Tips.” Happy Memorial Day!
Zebra Mussel Alert To prevent the spread of zebra mussels, the law requires draining of water from boats and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh waters. Get details.
Fishing reports are produced with support from Toyota and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program.