Lake Level:  914.38

Water Clarity:  Mostly Clear, to Clear, Upper James to Point 9

Water Temp:  37 Degrees

 

Bass

The Bass Fishing is very slow, good on some days and slow on others.  There are two or three different patterns that seem to be working. The best bite has been fishing for primarily spotted bass with a vertical approach near schools of shad. The shad seem to be holding over some sort of structure near main lake and some secondary points in larger feeder creeks. The best baits are Rapala Jigging Raps or Dixie Jet Spoons. Both baits are used with natural colors (white or off-white shad type baits), some gold or silver variations also seem to be catching fish. These fish are being caught in 15 to 30 feet of water, usually under the shad schools.

Another pattern that has been catching some bass is the Alabama Rig (A-Rig). This rig baited with 3” or 3 ½” boot tail baits (in natural shad colors and pro blue colors) seem to be the right choice. Some good sized fish are hitting the rig, when fished slowly near bluff points and bluff channel swings on the main river channel. Some fish are being taken on isolated bluff channel swings in larger and deeper creek channels. The bluff bite seems to be near ledges in the 20 to 40 foot range. The jig fishing has also produced some nice fish when fished in these same areas. The jig has to be fished slowly, usually when fishing parallel and dragging the bait off the mentioned ledges. The best colors have been black and blue with a crawfish type trailer of varying colors (black. Blue, red or purple).

Blue Gill

Blue Gill have moved deeper, in the depth range of 25 to 30 feet. The best fish are being caught in and around deeper boat docks or on standing timber located near large schools of shad. The best standing timber seems to be on main lake channel banks. The fish seem to be more active on sunny days.

Crappie

The Crappie bite has slowed, but a few nice fish have been caught on deep brush piles with shad near.  The depth has been 20 to 30 feet and the fish have been holding tight to the cover. The best brush piles seem to be near the original channel, on the flat side near extended points. The best baits have been marabou jigs (in natural colors) with small twister type J tail baits (also in natural colors). Sometimes anglers are tipping the jigs with crappie nibbles.

Walleye (no change)

The Walleye bite is slow in the upper James River. Some have been caught fishing for Bass in the clear water past Hideaway to Point 9 but they have been small and few and far between near the shad schools on the original river channel.

Catfish (no change)

The only Catfish Bite that has been reported has been a few that were caught on spoons under deep docks, on the bottom with Jigging Spoons (Dixie Jets) in silver or white. The bite is not consistent and the fish size varies.

 

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.