On the Dock with Rick Smith for Friday, February 20, 2026 скачать в хорошем качестве

On the Dock with Rick Smith for Friday, February 20, 2026

Anglers on Lake Belton are seeing early signs of spring movement this week as warming surface temperatures and steady water levels set the stage for shifting fish behavior. The lake sits at 0.77 feet above pool with normal stain, and surface temperatures have climbed to 61 degrees, though readings drop sharply to around 50 degrees at depths of 60 feet. White bass are now pushing into their annual migration, moving steadily up the Leon River and Cowhouse Creek. While spawning fish haven’t yet reached the shallowest water, guides report strong numbers of migratory schools traveling upcurrent along the main channels. Side‑imaging continues to be one of the most effective tools for locating these moving groups. Flatline trolling with crankbaits diving 10–12 feet remains a reliable way to gauge activity. Once fish are located, anglers can either continue light trolling or switch to casting to avoid spooking fish with the outboard. Small Alabama rigs and MAL Originals with chartreuse tails have been standout producers over the past week. With most fish still holding tight to the bottom, a sawtooth retrieve has proven especially effective. Clear skies, bright sun, and calm winds have made conditions tougher at times. In those scenarios, guides recommend deadsticking over the river channel where sonar shows dense shad concentrations. A thumper can help draw fish in, while forward‑facing sonar in downward mode allows anglers to place baits directly in the path of fish moving beneath the boat. Catfishing continues to shine across the lake. Blue catfish remain excellent in 25–45 feet of water, with slow drifting and suspended baits around points and river channels producing steady action. Flatheads are sluggish but still catchable near structure and rock piles using live perch or shad. Channel catfish are slow but present around deeper timber, with punch bait bringing occasional success. These conditions reflect a lake in seasonal transition—warming surface water, migrating bait, and increasingly active gamefish. As temperatures continue to rise, anglers can expect patterns to shift quickly in the weeks ahead.