Fishing
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8684 LaVillage Avenue
Waco, Texas 76712
(254) 666-5190
Michael Baird, Biologist
Nearby State Parks
Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.
Lake Characteristics
Location: Five miles west of Belton off
US 190
Surface area: 6,429 acres
Maximum depth: 107 feet
Impounded: 1968
Water Conditions
Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 622 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 3-4 feet
Normal Clarity: Very clear
Reservoir Controlling Authority
US Army
Corps of Engineers
Belton/Stillhouse Hollow Lake
3740 FM 1670
Belton, Texas 76513
(254) 939-2461
Aquatic Vegetation
Hydrilla
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
Available at local tackle shops
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed with statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
Largemouth bass is the most abundant sportfish in the reservoir, although there is also a good population of smallmouth bass. Fair to good populations of channel catfish are also available.
Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
---|---|---|---|---|
Largemouth Bass | ||||
Smallmouth Bass | ||||
Catfish | ||||
Crappie | ||||
White Bass | ||||
Sunfish |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Stillhouse Hollow is an extremely clear and deep reservoir. The main lake area is dominated by steep rocky shoreline with limited amounts of standing timber. There are also numerous beds of hydrilla in the lower lake. The upper lake and river areas are slightly stained with numerous laydowns, brush piles, and standing timber. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently worked with local partners to add fish attracting structure at four sites.
Use the Habitat Structure Viewer for an interactive map of fish habitat structures and downloadable GPS coordinates.
Tips & Tactics
Largemouth bass fishing is best during spring and fall when water temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. At first light, topwater baits fished on rocky points or over hydrilla beds can be good. Later in the day, drop a heavy jig or large worm into matted hydrilla in 5'-15' of water. Smallmouth bass can be good year round. Topwaters and crankbaits fished around rocky points and riprap can be very productive. Channel catfish can be caught throughout the year. Drift fishing with shad across the flats is usually good. Trotlining is best in the upper lake. Flathead catfish are most often caught by trotliners using live sunfish on the upper lake. Crappie are caught most often in cedar bushes and other submerged brush piles. White bass fishing is best in early spring during the spawn which occurs upriver from the lake, usually in March.