Belton Lake

Water stained; 83 degrees; 8.04 feet above pool. Live Oak Ridge, McGregor, and Owl Creek ramps are closed. The lake is very high, with 7.96 feet of flood water and still rising. White bass fishing has gotten tougher as the strong topwater bite has greatly diminished with the rising water. As the lake has risen the white bass have moved shallow under 28 feet of water. Early morning and late evening at low light is best. Downrigging excels right now as it covers water and allows precise depth control. Use #12 Pet Spoons on multi-layer rigs. If, as you down-rig, side-imaging reveals white bass schools to the side of your boat, Spot-Lock cross-wind from them and cast MAL Heavy Lures to them while continuing to keep tabs on them with side-imaging. Use the sawtooth method so the lure doesn't rise too far from bottom at any time in the retrieve. Sunfish can be caught easily in the flooded terrestrial vegetation in the back of most coves, especially those with rock and, or wood present. Report by Bob Maindelle, Holding the Line Guide Service. Navigate with caution watching for floating debris due to the rise in water. Anglers can find blue catfish around points and sand flats in 10-25 feet of water. Larger fresh cut baits have been effective for trophy size fish. Eater fish under 10 pounds are active and slow drifting with small cut shad along sand flats will produce. Channel catfish are good and can be caught on punch bait in 10-20 feet of water. Flathead catfish are excellent on live bait in shallow water around river mouths. Report by Brian Worley, B&S Catfishing.