Lake Level: 917.03
Water Clarity: Mostly Clear, to Clear, Upper James to Point 9
Water Temp: 85 degrees on the surface

Bass

The bass fishing has changed with the onset of the summer season. The fish are on the move to their summer patterns and water preference. The best and most productive bass bite, has been by fishing a drop-shot rig in 20 to 30 feet of water.

The best bait, has been the use of live night crawlers, fished on a number 1 or 2 drop shot hook. The fish are being located on extended lake points over or near some type of structure that is being frequented by the larger shad schools. Most of those fish are Kentucky’s and an angler will have to sort through some small fish to catch the occasional keeper. An additional bait is a small minnow type bait, like Power Bait Flat Worm and Yum Sonar Minnow, in nature colors fished on the drop shot in the same type areas.

There have been some fish caught on 10 and 12 inch artificial worms, rigged Texas Style (the best colors have been red with gold flake and black grape). These baits are being fished on main lake channel bend bluffs with ledges between 25 and 35 feet deep. Some keeper fish or also being caught in the same areas on Shakey Head Rigs using Zinker 5” Worms in PB&J or Goby and Sinko Worms (natural colors). Another Pattern, common for this time of year, is fishing main lake points with deep diving crank baits (Strike King 5XD or 6XD, natural shad colors are doing well). These fish have been caught on Channel Bends in creeks and main lake ledge bluff banks also.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill are still everywhere, they can be caught around almost any boat dock and around standing timber. They are feeding always when a bait is presented. They seem to be around 10 to 20 feet deep on sunny days and shallow when overcast. The best baits have been live night crawlers, meal worms, or small jigs tipped with blue gill bites. Some really nice sized fish have been caught around flats with lay-down timber present.

Crappie

The crappie bite has been a little better during the overcast days. Still some nice sized fish are being taken by soaking live minnows around lay-downs in deep coves or creeks. The fish can be taken anywhere cover is found in those areas. Some are still active on brush piles located in 10 to 20 feet of water, when you can find some active fish. The best pattern has been feeding them live minnows and just keep fishing the same area the fish seem to keep reloading. Trolling is still a nice way to catch some good fish, local anglers have been boating better fish by trolling thru and under shad schools whenever they are found on electronics or on the surface. Shad colored Crappie Crank Baits, Head Hunter in the 1 ½” size seem to be best.

Walleye

The Walleye bite has improved in the James River Arm, where the water is clear. The flats near Hideaway Marina in 20 to 25 feet, and further toward Point 9 on flats near main lake points. The best baits are night crawlers fished on drop-shot rigs around passing shad schools and over whatever structure can be located.

Catfish

The Catfish bite has really improved. Some really nice 5 and 6 pound Channel Cat have been caught on both bluff and flat points, in the river and larger creek arms. The best baits have been cut bait, and prepared catfish baits (crawfish and blood). Spoon fishing for catfish has also picked up around some of the larger main lake docks. The fish seem to be in 20 to 30 feet of water and like gold or silver jigging spoons. Jug fishing has also been taking some channel and flat head catfish on main lake channel swings while using cut bait.

Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina are both fully operational. Stop by and take a look at our great prices on tackle items. If you don’t see the tackle you want, please let us know and we will try to order to fit your needs. We have a great selection of moderately priced rod and reel combos and free baits with each purchase.

Note to Friends: Thanks for your patronage and wear a life jacket, at all times. Please have a Blessed and Safe Day on the water. Be careful and watch for floating debris; there is still some in the water.