Bass Fishing Near Temple, TX
Bell County · Central Texas
Temple sits right by Stillhouse Hollow and Lake Belton — the two best smallmouth lakes in Central Texas, plus quality largemouth in clear water. Both are about 20 minutes away.
Why: Smallmouth country next door.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Lake Belton · Areas we serve
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
Temple is smack in the middle of Central Texas's only real smallmouth country — Belton and Stillhouse are both minutes away.
Closest lakes we guide
Lake Belton ~20 min top pick
Guided Lake Belton bass fishing - clear Corps water with good numbers and smallmouth in the mix, north of Austin.
Stillhouse Hollow ~20 min
Guided Stillhouse Hollow bass fishing - one of the best numbers lakes around and a rare Central Texas smallmouth fishery.
Plan your Temple trip
Not sure when to come or what they'll be biting? Start with the season-by-season patterns and the conditions that drive the bite, then pick your target from the bass species we catch. I'll build the day around what you want.
This is the place to target a Central Texas smallmouth — Belton is the best around.
Keep exploring
All areas we serve · All 16 lakes · Trip rates · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Ready to fish near Temple? See rates and book or call or text 512-762-0190.