Bass Fishing Near Waco, TX
McLennan County · Central Texas
From Waco, Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow are about 40 minutes south — the best smallmouth and clear-water largemouth fishing in Central Texas, and well worth the drive for a guided day.
Why: Head south for Belton smallmouth.
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
Waco anglers have Central Texas's best smallmouth lake, Belton, a straight shot down I-35.
Closest lakes we guide
Lake Belton ~40 min top pick
Guided Lake Belton bass fishing - clear Corps water with good numbers and smallmouth in the mix, north of Austin.
Stillhouse Hollow ~45 min
Guided Stillhouse Hollow bass fishing - one of the best numbers lakes around and a rare Central Texas smallmouth fishery.
Plan your Waco 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.
Belton and Stillhouse are the closest guided waters — a smallmouth and clear-water largemouth trip.
Keep exploring
All areas we serve · All 16 lakes · Trip rates · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Ready to fish near Waco? See rates and book or call or text 512-762-0190.