I live in the DFW metromess and my son lives in Austin. We were looking for someplace in between to get together and take the grandkids fishing during the Sandbass run. My question is whether or not the Leon River above Lake Belton is navigable in my 20' center console and if not can you recommend any kid friendly bank fishing areas.

water is three feet low right now, you will be ok for the run at 36 bridge, Leona park. unless the water gets alot lower. fishing from the bank the is good as well, bring cast net to catch shad!!

Belton will not fish from a 20 ft center console above Winkler Park. The bank can be spotty in the spring and a cast net is a must for bank success. Colorado Bend State Park above Buchanon has the best bank/wade fishing for the spring run if we get some rain. If we don't get rain, then the center console could fish shallow points near the 36 Bridge on Belton. Check out the free Navionics map to plan for boat fishing. Get those kids out there fishing whatever the conditions are.

Thanks for the info guys. We definitely will get the kids out for the sandbass run .My boys grew up loving to fish and they get fired up about the spring fishing. Now it's time to get the next generation hooked

Have you considered Lake Waco? I fish the Middle Bosque River with my 22ft CC. You can put in at Midway Park at Hwy 6 Twin Bridges.

If you're into hiring an excellent guide to teach you how to fish Belton, you should consider Bob Maindelle (Holding the line guide service). I hired him a few weeks ago, and the learnings have more than paid for itself many times over already. I have a video on Belton learning how to use sonar with him. Wow, he's good.

I agree with everyone above, i kayak the leon pretty regular and it is very shallow. I wouldnt go past winkler in that size of a boat.

Good advice.