Lake Level:  914.50

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

Water Temp:  39 Degrees

 

Bass

The Bass Fishing is still slow in the James River Arm. On warmer days some really nice limits of Bass are being caught, but really slow on other days. When the water temperature drops and its overcast the bite is slow.

In the upper James River, Point 15 and beyond, the water clarity is really clear. The Bass Bite in this area is really slow, but some nice fish can be caught on Jigs and A-Rigs fished really slow along the lake bottom. The best areas have been main river points that drop of into the old river channel. The best colors on the jigs have been (black and blue with a Blue Craw and Green Pumpkin and orange with a green pumpkin or brown trailer). The average water depth is between 15 and 18 feet of water.

Another pattern that has been catching some bass in the Cape Fair Area and below is the Alabama Rig (A-Rig). This rig baited with 3” 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. The Bite seems to vary between deep ledges and the bluff points, as the fish are following large schools of shad that move along the bluff channel banks. The depth seems to be between 18 and 25 feet when shad are present.

In the Hideaway Dock Area and below, a vertical jigging bite, rigged with Dixie Jet Spoons and Rapala Jiggin Raps; both in natural colors are still taking fish on deep flat points that extend into the main channel. Also some flats with cover that are near the original river channel. For this bite to be effective shad must be present.

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. If you can see these fish on the trees or other cover on your electronics, drop down to them; if they don’t bite after a few minutes move to the next area.

Crappie (no change)

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, but will reopen March 14th. 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.