Lake Level: 913.44
Water Clarity: Mostly Clear, to Clear, Upper James to Point 9
Water Temp: 77 degrees on the surface

Bass

The lack of rain in our area and the forever Blue Bird Sky’s, without any clouds are making Bass fishing really difficult. The early morning bite has been the best bite, before the sun begins to shine. At this time, some fish are being caught on main lake flat points and some secondary points that have isolated shad schools active. A number of different baits are catching these fish. Small square bill crank baits like the KVD 1.5 and similar type baits in shad colors. Some green pumpkin Ned Baits and TRD goby in peanut butter and jelly color; Z-Mann Baits in shad colors and green pumpkin variations fished on a shaky head have also taken some fish.

Another Pattern working early morning (before complete sunrise) is top water fishing. Zara Spooks, Whopper Ploppers, Chopo’s, Buzz Baits or Jerk Baits seem to be working. The best colors are natural shad. These should be fished on main lake flats or flat points where shad or active.

The drop shot rig is also still catching some fish, while using live night crawlers over standing timber in 30 to 50 feet, with shad schools present. Sometimes these fish are taken at those depths while fishing shad schools in the middle of creeks or on the main lake over 50 to eighty feet of water (with no structure), just the shad schools.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill are showing up in deep water while fishermen are fishing for Bass, in large numbers. These fish are quality nice large Blue Gill and are feeding on live night crawlers. Blue Gill can also be found under shaded boat docks, almost all day long and will hit night crawlers, wigglers and meal worms. The depth of the docks also varies, but larger docks seem to be better.

Some Blue Gill are also being taken in areas with standing timber on some creek channel banks and main lake bluff banks, near deep water (and on the occasional lay down around those deeper banks).

Crappie

The Crappie bite has not changed much. Fish are still being taken from brush piles that are located on main lake flats (near the river channel or creek channel banks) or on lay downs in those same areas. The best baits have been minnows and crappie jigs. Some fish have been taken trolling Head Hunter Crappie crank baits thru schools of active shad. Try fishing brush piles located in 18 to 20 feet of water (the high sky’s have have moved the fish deeper).

Walleye

The Walleye bite has not improved in the James River Arm. The flats points near Hideaway Marina in 20 to 25 feet, and further toward Point 9 have slowed down considerably. The Blue Bird Sky’s are really hurting the fishing. There are reports of a few fish being caught while fishing for bass in deep water.

Catfish

The Catfish bite has started to slow. Some fish are still being caught near and under boat docks located in 20 to 30 feet of water by using jigging spoons, (white or silver colors). Jug fishing has has really slowed. A few have been caught on deeper bluffs floating cut bait. Bottom fishing in those areas with prepared baits, such as Magic Baits (night crawler or Liver and Chicken Blood) have netted some fish.

Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina are both closed for the season. Gas can be purchased 10 am to 4 pm (Check our telephone message line for current hours of operation).

Note to Friends: Thanks for your patronage and please wear a life jacket, at all times. This report has been prepared by Don Cooksey for Cape Fair and Hideaway Marinas. Have a Blessed and Safe Day on the water.