What Cedar Ridge Park Offers

Cedar Ridge Park sits on the north side of Belton Lake, about 15 minutes north of downtown Belton off FM 2670. The park is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility with a boat ramp, picnic area, and direct access to one of Central Texas's most consistent warm-water fisheries. The lake itself covers roughly 21,000 acres and holds largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish year-round.

The park itself is small—mostly a parking area, a concrete boat ramp, and a few picnic tables—but the water access is straightforward and the ramp is well-maintained. There is no lodge, no bait shop, and no fuel dock at the park itself, so plan accordingly. The nearest services are in Belton, about 15 minutes south.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Ridge Park has a concrete boat ramp and parking but no fuel, bait, or food service on-site.
  • Belton Lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, with spring and fall typically producing the best action.
  • The park is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and day-use parking is free, though overnight camping is not available at this location.
  • The north end of the lake near Cedar Ridge tends to be shallower and weedier than the main basin, favoring bass and crappie anglers.
  • Summer heat can make midday fishing slow; early morning and evening trips are most productive.

Boat Ramp Conditions and Access

The ramp at Cedar Ridge is a single-lane concrete structure in decent repair. Water level at Belton Lake fluctuates seasonally—it can drop 3 to 5 feet from summer to winter—so check the current level before launching if you have a shallow-draft boat. The Corps of Engineers website shows real-time lake levels, and local bait shops in Belton can tell you whether the ramp is passable on any given day.

Parking is limited to a small gravel lot. On weekends during spring and early summer, the lot fills by mid-morning. Weekday mornings are usually quieter. There is no launch fee, and the ramp is open during daylight hours year-round. The nearest alternative ramp is at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, about 20 minutes west, if Cedar Ridge is crowded.

Bass Fishing on Belton Lake

Largemouth bass are the main draw at Belton Lake, and the north end near Cedar Ridge holds fish year-round. Spring (March through May) is peak season—water temperatures in the 60s to low 70s trigger spawning activity, and bass move into shallow cover. Fish the weed lines, fallen timber, and rocky points in 4 to 8 feet of water. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures all work during this window.

Summer fishing slows during the heat of the day but picks up again at dawn and dusk. Bass move deeper and tighter to cover. Fish the deeper edges of weed beds, submerged brush piles, and channel ledges in 12 to 20 feet. Fall (September through November) is nearly as good as spring—water cools, bass become active again, and they move back to shallower structure. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience; fish move to the deepest holes and bite slowly.

Catfish and Crappie Opportunities

Channel catfish and flatheads are abundant in Belton Lake and often overlooked by bass anglers. Cedar Ridge's shallow north end is good catfish water. Fish cut shad, chicken liver, or stink bait on the bottom in 8 to 15 feet of water, especially at night. Flatheads prefer live bluegill or shad and are most active after dark. Spring and fall produce steady action; summer nights are best when the water cools.

White crappie and black crappie spawn in spring and gather in predictable spots. Look for brush piles, standing timber, and rocky structure in 6 to 12 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with minnows or live shiners work well. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive. Fall crappie fishing can be excellent as well, though the bite is often more scattered than in spring.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March to May) is the most reliable season at Belton Lake. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and all species become active. Bass spawn, catfish feed heavily, and crappie congregate in predictable areas. Expect the park to be busier during this window, especially on weekends.

Summer (June to August) can be productive early and late in the day but slow during midday heat. Water temperatures exceed 85 degrees, and fish move deeper or become less aggressive. Night fishing for catfish is a good alternative. Fall (September to November) rivals spring for overall fishing quality—water cools, bass and crappie return to shallower structure, and the crowds thin. Winter (December to February) is slowest but not fishless; patient anglers targeting deep holes and using slow presentations can still catch fish.

What to Bring and What to Know

Bring your own fuel, food, and water—there are no services at Cedar Ridge Park. The nearest gas station and bait shop are in Belton. A depth finder is useful for locating structure and understanding the lake's bottom contours. Polarized sunglasses help you spot shallow-water bass and structure. Sun protection is essential; the Texas sun reflects hard off the water, and there is minimal shade at the park.

The lake is open to public fishing year-round, but Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations apply. You need a valid Texas fishing license for anyone 17 and older. Check current regulations for bag limits and size restrictions before you fish. The park itself has no overnight camping, but several Corps of Engineers campgrounds are located around Belton Lake if you want to stay longer.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Cedar Ridge Park is located at 3505 FM 2670, Belton, TX 76513. From downtown Belton, take Highway 190 north, then turn right on FM 2670 and follow it about 3 miles to the park entrance. The drive from central Belton takes roughly 15 minutes. GPS coordinates are approximately 31.0850, -97.4500 if you prefer to navigate by map.

If Cedar Ridge is crowded or if you want to explore other parts of Belton Lake, Stillhouse Hollow Lake (a smaller, quieter reservoir about 20 minutes west) offers similar fishing for bass and catfish. The main Belton Lake Park, on the south side of the lake near downtown, has more amenities but also more crowds. Cedar Ridge is best for anglers who want quick access and don't mind a minimal facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Texas fishing license to fish at Cedar Ridge Park?

Yes. Anyone 17 or older must have a valid Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fishing license. You can purchase a license online, at sporting goods stores, or at bait shops in Belton. Licenses are available as one-day, annual, or multi-year options.

Can I fish at night at Cedar Ridge Park?

The park itself closes at dusk, so you cannot launch from Cedar Ridge after dark. However, if you are already on the water before sunset, you can fish into the evening. Night fishing for catfish is popular on Belton Lake; plan your trip to launch in daylight and return before the park closes.

What is the water level like in summer versus winter?

Belton Lake is drawn down in late summer and fall for flood control and water supply, so levels can drop 3 to 5 feet from June to December. Check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website or call a local bait shop before launching if you have a boat with a shallow draft. Winter levels are typically lower than spring levels.

Are there fish in Belton Lake year-round?

Yes, but winter fishing is slower and requires more patience. Bass, catfish, and crappie all remain in the lake through the cold months. They move deeper and bite less frequently, but consistent anglers can still catch fish, especially targeting deep holes and using slow presentations.

What is the closest place to buy bait and tackle?

The nearest bait and tackle shops are in Belton, about 15 minutes south of Cedar Ridge Park. Bring your own supplies or plan to stop in town before heading to the park. Local shops can also tell you about current lake conditions and what fish are biting.