The best lures to use on Lake Belton near Belton and Temple, Texas
Lake Belton is the best smallmouth lake in Central Texas and a very good largemouth lake too. It's clear Corps water, full of the right cover, and it fishes shallow mostly with plenty of fish deeper as well. These are the lures I lean on to catch both. If you want to see how it stacks up, here's my rundown of the best bass fishing lakes near Austin.
A jig - shallow or deep
A jig is my go-to on Belton. It catches both smallmouth and largemouth, works shallow around cover or deep on the ledges and rock, and it tends to draw the better quality fish. On this clear, cover-rich lake, a jig covers about any situation the day throws at you.
A fluke as a search bait
A fluke is the other bait I always have tied on here. Weightless around cover it imitates the baitfish perfectly, and it's a great way to cover water and find active fish before I slow down and pick a spot apart. A 10.13-pound largemouth I caught on this lake tells you what's possible.
A fluke is a great search bait on Belton's clear water.
Reaction baits on clear, spring water
Belton's clear water makes for a great sight-fishing and reaction-bait bite in the spring, when both smallmouth and largemouth move shallow to spawn. This is your best chance at a quality smallie - work moving baits around the right cover and be ready.
Finesse for the smallmouth
When the smallmouth pull to rock and deeper structure, a finesse presentation earns its keep. Slow it down on the rock and you'll turn up the smallmouth that make this lake special - you won't find them on most lakes around here.
Keep a rod ready for whites and hybrids
The white bass and stocked hybrids are all over Belton, and when they school they'll pull hard and fill the day with action. Keep a moving bait or spoon handy for when they show.
Belton's a lake where a good day can mean both numbers and quality. Let me know if this helps, and if you'd like me to put you on them, book a trip and we'll go.