Belton Lake
Current Water Level: 595.10 Ft
Belton Lake Real Estate Agent Info
About Belton Lake
Belton Lake, located in Central Texas near the city of Belton, is a popular recreational destination known for its fishing, boating, and a variety of outdoor activities. Here’s some information about the lake:
General Information
- Location: Belton Lake is situated in Bell County, Texas, and is part of the Central Texas region.
- Size: The lake covers approximately 12,240 acres and has over 50 miles of shoreline.
- Controlled By: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the lake primarily for flood control, water supply, and recreation.
Fishing at Belton Lake
Belton Lake offers great fishing opportunities for both amateur and experienced anglers. Common species found in the lake include:
- Largemouth Bass
- White Bass
- Crappie
- Catfish (including Blue and Channel Catfish)
Fishing Tips
- Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times for fishing.
- Bait: Live bait such as worms or minnows can be effective, as well as artificial lures.
- Fishing Regulations: Always check local regulations for bag limits and size limits before fishing.
Boating at Belton Lake
Belton Lake is ideal for boating, including powerboats, sailboats, and personal watercraft. Here are some key aspects of boating at the lake:
Launching Ramps
Several boat ramps are available around the lake, offering easy access for launching boats. Some of the popular ramps include:
- Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA): Featuring well-maintained facilities.
- Temple Lake Park: Offers good access and picnic areas.
Boating Regulations
- Speed Limits: Follow posted speed limits and be mindful of no-wake zones.
- Safety Equipment: Ensure you have life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other required safety gear on board.
- Water Sports: The lake is suitable for various water sports, including skiing and tubing, but check local regulations for specific areas.
Recreational Activities
In addition to fishing and boating, Belton Lake provides opportunities for:
- Swimming: Designated swimming areas are available.
- Camping: Several campgrounds are located around the lake for both tent camping and RVs.
- Hiking and Biking: Trails are available for those who enjoy hiking or biking along the scenic routes around the lake.
- Wildlife Viewing: The area is also great for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
Accessibility and Amenities
- Restrooms: Facilities are available at public parks and boat ramps.
- Picnic Areas: Many parks around the lake offer picnic tables and grills.
- Nearby Towns: The nearby towns of Belton and Temple provide additional amenities such as restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
Before visiting, make sure to check for any updates on water levels, safety alerts, and park hours. Enjoy your time at Belton Lake!
If you're interested in specific real estate options, amenities, or activities around the lake, feel free to ask a Lake Real Estate Specialist!
Belton Lake Quick Facts
Belton Lake Fishing Information
Most of Lake Belton's shoreline is very steep, rocky habitat. Majestic tall bluffs and long rocky points are most common, although sand and mud flats can be found up the Leon River and Cowhouse arms. The lake has little or no aquatic vegetation. Timber is also limited.
FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS
Largemouth bass fishing is at its best from late February through April. As the water temperature begins to rise, bass become more active and prepare for the upcoming spawn. The backs of creeks and coves, protected from the north wind, provide the warmest water on the lake. Good creeks to target are Cedar, Bear, Owl, Stampede, and Cowhouse. Spinnerbaits, plastic lizards, jerkbaits, and jig and pork combinations are the preferred baits. From May through September look for bass on main-lake points and flats next to creek channels. Stickbaits, chuggers, buzzbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms can all be productive under the right conditions. From October through December, bass can be caught from the same areas as during the spawn. Smallmouth bass are generally caught from the dam to the Cedar Creek area at mid-lake. Early spring and late fall, when the water temperature ranges from 55 to 65 degrees, is the prime time to target smallmouth. Spawning occurs in rocky coves protected from the north wind. During summer and fall, long, gently sloping rocky points are good areas to fish. Deep diving crawfish-colored crankbaits, stickbaits, chuggers, buzzbaits, grubs, and small jigs are usually the most productive.
Hybrid striped bass were first introduced to Lake Belton in 1977. Since that time they have become a very popular sportfish in the reservoir. Hybrid stripers tend to travel in schools throughout the main lake. They can be caught using a variety of methods, including bottom fishing with live bait as well as trolling jigs and crankbaits, with or without the aid of downriggers. White bass fishing is best from March through May when they migrate up the lake into the Leon River to spawn. Bank or boat fishing from the Highway 36 bridge north to Mother Neff State Park using small jigs or spinners can be very productive. During summer and fall, white bass sometimes school on the surface. White crappie fishing is best between late February and the middle of May. At this time, crappie move into shallow water in the backs of creeks and protected main-lake coves. Spawning crappie are fairly easy to catch on live minnows or small jigs fished around stumps and submerged cover in 2 to 5 feet of water. In summer, fall, and winter, crappie can be caught around large isolated trees and submerged brush in water depths of 5 to 20 feet. Catfish are best in the spring and summer. Channel cats spawn from May to June, during which time they move into water 2 to 5 feet deep in the backs of creeks or along flats just off the river channel. Shad, shrimp, blood bait, and stink bait all work just fine. Blue catfish were recently stocked into the lake, but only time will tell whether a fishery will develop.
Bait Barn 254-986-2214, 10712 W State Highway 36, Temple, TX 76502-6939
Morgans Point Sporting Goods (Fishing Tackle) 254-780-9333, 23 County Rd, Belton, TX 76513-6810
Belton Lake Camping Information
Mother Neff State Park The main activities are camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing from the river bank, and wildlife observation. The park provides a junior ranger program that allows children from ages 4-12 to earn a special badge & certificate. For interested hikers a tree guide is available at the park headquarters which provides a self guided tour along the lost trail. Facilities include campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water nearby; primitive campsites; a group primitive area; picnic sites; a group (wooden) picnic pavilions and a group (rock) picnic pavilion that are often used for reunions, church group gatherings, and weddings; a heated and air-conditioned recreation hall with kitchen facilities; restrooms with and without showers; a playground; and an outdoor sports area.
Cedar Ridge Park 254-986-1404, Cedar Ridge Park Rd, Temple, TX 76502
Belton Lake Boating Information
Pier 36 Marina 254-986-2466, 3681 Cedar Ridge Park Rd, Temple, TX 76502-6902
Frank's Marina 254-939-7443, 2207 Lake Rd, Belton, TX
Aquaduc Rentals (Boat Rentals) 877-910-BOAT (2628)
Big Red Storage (Boat and RV storage) 254-933-9700, 1709 Sparta Rd, Belton, TX