Stillhouse Hollow Lake is a 6,430-acre reservoir in Central Texas with year-round largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie

Stillhouse Hollow Lake sits on the Lampasas River near Waco in Bell County, about 45 minutes south of the city. The lake holds steady water levels year-round because it's managed for flood control and water supply, which means the shoreline and structure stay consistent — a real advantage for planning trips. You'll find largemouth bass as the primary draw, along with channel catfish, blue catfish, and white crappie. The lake is open to the public, and most access points have boat ramps, parking, and basic facilities.

The lake's depth varies significantly. The main channel runs 40 to 60 feet deep in places, but most of the productive fishing happens in 8 to 20 feet of water along the old river channel and around submerged timber. The water is typically stained to slightly murky, which means bass bite well throughout the day rather than only at dawn and dusk. Summer water temperatures reach the low 90s, and winter lows drop to the mid-50s — both extremes change where fish position themselves and what techniques work.

Key Takeaways

  • Stillhouse Hollow has four public boat ramps with parking and restrooms, and no launch fee is charged at any of them.
  • Largemouth bass fishing peaks in spring (March through May) and again in fall (September through November), with summer and winter requiring deeper presentations and slower retrieves.
  • The lake's old river channel holds the most consistent structure; focus on timber, drop-offs, and channel bends rather than open water.
  • Catfish bite year-round on cut shad, chicken liver, and stink baits, especially at night from the bank or boat in 15 to 30 feet of water.
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife manages the lake; you need a valid Texas fishing license, and bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit with a five-fish daily bag.

Access Points and Boat Ramps

Stillhouse Hollow has four developed public access areas, all managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Stillhouse Hollow Park is the largest and sits on the north shore near the dam. It has two concrete boat ramps, a full-service marina with fuel and tackle, a restaurant, picnic areas, and ample parking. This is the most convenient option if you want amenities, though the ramps can get crowded on weekends.

Overlook Park is on the east shore and offers a single boat ramp, parking, and restrooms but no fuel or food. It's quieter than Stillhouse Hollow Park and gives you access to the upper lake where the Lampasas River enters — a productive area for bass in spring and fall. Pecan Grove Park sits on the west shore with a ramp, parking, and restrooms. The fourth access point, Lofers Bend East, is a smaller day-use area with a ramp and basic facilities.

None of the ramps charge a launch fee. Parking is free at all locations. If you plan to fish from the bank, Stillhouse Hollow Park and Overlook Park both have shoreline access, though boat access to structure is far more productive than bank fishing here.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Techniques

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season for largemouth bass. Water temperatures climb from the mid-50s to the upper 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Focus on the backs of coves, shallow timber, and rocky banks in 4 to 12 feet of water. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures all produce during this window. Early morning and late afternoon are most active, but the stained water means you can catch fish throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and into shade. The old river channel becomes critical — fish the channel ledges, drop-offs, and timber in 15 to 30 feet of water. Slow-moving presentations like Texas-rigged worms, jigs, and swimbaits work better than fast retrieves. Night fishing from the bank or boat using topwater or dark-colored soft plastics can be productive when daytime bites slow.

Fall (September through November) mirrors spring. As water cools from the low 90s back to the 60s, bass move back to shallower structure. The same lures and locations that worked in spring produce again. October and early November are often as good as spring, with less boat traffic than you'll see in March and April.

Winter (December through February) requires patience. Bass are deep and inactive. Fish the deepest parts of the old river channel — 40 to 60 feet — with small jigs, drop-shot rigs, or live shiners. Bites are fewer but often larger fish. Many anglers switch to catfish during winter because they remain active year-round.

Catfish and Crappie Throughout the Year

Channel catfish and blue catfish bite consistently at Stillhouse Hollow regardless of season. Both species respond to cut shad, chicken liver, stink baits, and live bluegill. Fish the deeper holes and channel bends in 15 to 30 feet of water, especially at night. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader to a circle hook works well. Expect catfish to bite from dusk through dawn, though they'll bite during the day in winter when water is cold and bass are inactive.

White crappie are present but less predictable than bass or catfish. They school in spring around shallow timber and brush piles, and a small jig or minnow under a bobber can produce limits quickly. By summer, crappie move deeper and scatter, making them harder to locate. Fall brings another brief window of shallow-water activity. Most anglers target crappie incidentally while fishing for bass rather than making a dedicated trip.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish Stillhouse Hollow. You can purchase a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at most sporting goods stores, or at the marina at Stillhouse Hollow Park. A one-day license costs less than a year-long license if you're visiting once.

Largemouth bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no minimum length and no bag limit. White crappie have a 10-inch minimum and a 25-fish daily bag. These rules are enforced by Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, and violations carry fines. Check the current regulations before you go — rules can change, and the TPWD website has the most up-to-date information.

When to Fish and What to Bring

Stillhouse Hollow is fishable year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action and the most comfortable weather. March through May and September through November are ideal. Summer is productive if you're willing to fish early morning, late evening, or at night. Winter is slowest but still holds fish, especially catfish.

Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat — the lake has little shade, and the sun reflects hard off the water. A depth finder is valuable because the lake's structure is not obvious from the surface. If you're fishing from a boat, bring a life jacket (required by law), a fire extinguisher, and a throwable flotation device. Bring more water than you think you'll need; the lake is far from town, and dehydration happens fast in Texas heat.

The lake can get windy in spring and fall, which can make small boats uncomfortable. Check the forecast before launching, and stay near the ramp if the wind picks up. Stillhouse Hollow is not a remote wilderness lake — it's close to Waco and sees regular boat traffic on weekends — but it's also not crowded on weekdays.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod and a medium-power baitcaster. Spool with 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line. Pack crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range, soft plastics (worms, crawfish, swimbaits) in natural and dark colors, and a few topwater lures for early morning and evening. Texas rigs, jig-and-pig combinations, and drop-shot rigs all work here.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 20- to 30-pound monofilament is standard. Circle hooks in sizes 2/0 to 8/0 are effective and reduce deep-hooking. Bring cut shad (you can catch your own or buy frozen at the marina), chicken liver, and commercial stink baits. A simple rod holder lets you fish multiple lines legally — Texas allows up to three fishing lines per person.

The marina at Stillhouse Hollow Park sells live shiners, cut shad, and basic tackle if you forget something. Prices are higher than a tackle shop in town, so stock up before you arrive if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the bank at Stillhouse Hollow?

Yes, Stillhouse Hollow Park and Overlook Park both have bank access. Bank fishing is slower than boat fishing because most structure is in deeper water, but catfish and crappie bite from the bank, especially at night. You'll have better success if you can reach the old river channel, which requires a boat.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Spring and fall: early morning and late afternoon are most active, but the stained water means fish bite all day. Summer: fish early morning, late evening, or at night to avoid the heat and find active fish. Winter: fish midday when water is coldest and bass are deepest.

Do I need a boat to fish Stillhouse Hollow?

A boat gives you access to the most productive structure and deeper water, but bank fishing is possible at the developed parks. Most anglers rent a boat or bring their own because the lake's best fishing is in deeper water away from shore.

How far is Stillhouse Hollow from Waco?

Stillhouse Hollow Lake is about 45 minutes south of downtown Waco via Interstate 35 and Highway 190. The drive is straightforward, and the lake is close enough for a day trip from the city.

What's the water like in summer?

Summer water temperatures reach the low 90s, and the lake becomes stained to murky. Bass move deep and bite slower. Catfish remain active, especially at night. The heat is intense, so bring extra water and fish early or late in the day if you're targeting bass.