What You'll Find at Stillhouse Hollow Lake

Stillhouse Hollow Lake is a 6,430-acre reservoir about 12 miles southwest of Belton, formed by a dam on the Lampasas River. The lake runs roughly north to south and holds warm water year-round, making it reliable for bass, catfish, and crappie. The shoreline is mostly undeveloped — you won't find the sprawl you see at some Central Texas lakes — and the water clarity shifts with season and recent rainfall, ranging from stained to moderately clear depending on when you visit.

The lake's depth varies dramatically. The main channel runs 40 to 60 feet deep in places, but vast shallow flats extend from the upper end, especially around the old river channel. This mix of structure makes it productive for different techniques and species at different times of year. The upper lake — north of the dam — tends to be shallower and murkier, while the lower lake near the dam holds clearer, deeper water.

Key Takeaways

  • Stillhouse Hollow holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie, with bass fishing strongest in spring and fall when water temperatures drop below 75 degrees.
  • Public boat ramps are located at Stillhouse Park (north end), Overlook Park (east side), and near the dam, each with different amenities and parking capacity.
  • The upper lake is shallower and better for sight-fishing and topwater in low-light hours, while the main lake and dam area hold deeper structure for summer fishing.
  • Catfish bite year-round on cut shad and live bluegill, especially at night, and crappie congregate around submerged timber in spring and fall.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Patterns

Largemouth bass dominate Stillhouse Hollow, and they respond predictably to water temperature. Spring — roughly February through May — is the most consistent season. As water warms from the low 50s to the mid-60s, bass move shallow to spawn, and you can catch them on shallow-running crankbaits, soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range, and topwater lures around dawn and dusk. Focus on the backs of coves, especially where creeks enter the lake and where fallen timber lines the shallows.

Summer (June through August) is tougher but not impossible. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade. Fish the main channel ledges, drop-offs near the dam, and any submerged timber in 25 to 45 feet of water. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday. Smallmouth bass also show up in deeper, rockier areas, particularly near the dam and along the eastern shoreline where limestone outcrops create natural structure.

Fall (September through November) mirrors spring — water cools, bass move shallow again, and the same shallow-water techniques work. Winter (December through January) slows the bite but doesn't stop it. Bass hold in the deepest holes and around the dam. Slow-moving soft plastics and live shiners fished deep and slow will take fish, though you'll work harder for them.

Catfish and Crappie Year-Round

Channel catfish and blue catfish are present in good numbers and bite consistently. Cut shad — either fresh or frozen — works best, fished on the bottom in 15 to 30 feet of water. Night fishing produces more catfish than day fishing, and the hours from sunset to midnight are most productive. Fish the main channel, the deeper holes near the dam, and any area where creeks enter the lake. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader to a circle hook is standard and effective.

Crappie (both white and black) congregate around submerged timber and brush. Spring and fall are peak seasons. Fish small jigs — 1/16 to 1/8 ounce — tipped with minnows or live bluegill around fallen trees, old dock pilings, and brush piles. The upper lake has more timber and tends to hold more crappie than the main lake. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, and crappie often suspend 8 to 15 feet deep rather than hugging the bottom.

Public Boat Ramps and Access Points

Stillhouse Park is on the north end of the lake and offers a two-lane concrete ramp, parking for about 30 vehicles, restrooms, and picnic areas. It's the most developed public access and works well for launching larger boats. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, especially in spring.

Overlook Park sits on the east side of the lake and has a single-lane ramp, limited parking (roughly 15 spaces), and basic facilities. It's quieter than Stillhouse Park and offers a shorter launch for anglers fishing the eastern shoreline and the upper lake.

A third ramp is located near the dam on the south end, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (which manages the lake). It has a two-lane ramp and moderate parking. This ramp provides the fastest access to the deeper main lake and the dam structure. All ramps charge a small day-use fee — typically $3 to $5 per vehicle — and are open from sunrise to sunset.

Seasonal Water Conditions and Clarity

Stillhouse Hollow's water clarity depends heavily on recent rainfall and season. After heavy rain, the lake turns stained or muddy for several days as runoff enters from the Lampasas River. In dry periods, clarity improves and can reach 3 to 5 feet in the main lake and dam area. The upper lake stays murkier year-round because it's shallower and collects more sediment.

Water temperature swings from the low 40s in January to the low 80s in July and August. Most anglers find the sweet spot — when bass bite most reliably — is between 60 and 75 degrees, which occurs in spring and fall. Summer heat pushes bass deep and slows the overall bite. Winter cold slows metabolism, but fish still feed, especially on the warmest days of the week.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring a depth finder if you have one — the lake's variable bottom makes it valuable for locating structure and the main channel. Polarized sunglasses help in clear water, especially for sight-fishing shallow areas. A mix of lures is essential: shallow crankbaits and topwater for spring and fall, deeper-running crankbaits and soft plastics for summer, and live bait (shiners, shad, bluegill) for catfish and crappie year-round.

The lake is generally less crowded than nearby Belton Lake, which makes it appealing if you prefer quieter water. However, weekends in spring can bring tournament traffic and recreational boaters. Weekday mornings are typically the calmest. The shoreline is mostly undeveloped, so you won't find restaurants or fuel docks on the water — plan to bring what you need or return to Belton for supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Stillhouse Hollow?

Spring (February through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive for bass. Water temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees trigger consistent feeding. Catfish bite year-round, and crappie are best in spring and fall around timber.

Do I need a boat to fish Stillhouse Hollow?

A boat gives you access to the best structure and deeper water, but shore fishing is possible at the public parks and along some undeveloped sections. The ramps at Stillhouse Park and Overlook Park are your main launch points.

Is Stillhouse Hollow better than Belton Lake for fishing?

Both lakes hold similar species and are productive. Stillhouse Hollow tends to be less crowded and has more undeveloped shoreline, while Belton Lake has more developed amenities. Choose based on how crowded you want the water to be and what facilities matter to you.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Bass typically range from 1 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish over 5 pounds. Catfish run 2 to 15 pounds depending on species. Crappie average 8 to 12 inches. These are typical for Central Texas reservoirs and depend on season and technique.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Texas Parks and Wildlife sets statewide regulations for bag limits, size limits, and licensing. Check the current regulations before you go — they change periodically. A valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older.