Lake Level:  914.47

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

Water Temp:  46-49 Degrees

 

Bass

The Bass Fishing has improved during the last few warm days with water temps raising into the upper 50’s. Both bait and the bass had been moving into shallow water flats and points that are associated with the main channel and the mouths of some creeks. With a cold front that moved in yesterday, water temps in the high 40’s, will slow that bite for a day or so; until the fish get acclimated to the changes.

In the upper James River, Point 15 and beyond, the water clarity is still very clear. The Bass Bite in this area has slowed, but some fish been have caught on Jigs and A-Rigs. This recent bite is taking place on main river channels in 8 to 20 feet of water. The best baits have been Ned Rigged Finesse TRD (best color PB&J). The best jig color has been Green Pumpkin with a chartreuse strip.

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 schools of shad that move along the bluff channel banks. The depth seems to be between 10 to 15 feet, when shad are present.

In the Hideaway Dock Area and below, a vertical jigging bite is still catching some fish ( Rapala Jiggin Raps (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 bank the A-Rig is still the better bait when fished in 8 to 15 feet of water. The best colors are shad and pro blue.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill have actually moved shallower (8 to 12 feet deep). The best fish are being caught in and around any 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. The best bait has been live night crawlers. Cut your crawlers and tip your hook or jig.

Crappie (no change)

The Crappie bite has started to pick-up, and some really nice limits are being caught. The depth has been 8 to 15 feet and the fish are holding to the cover. The best brush piles seem to be near the original channel, on the flat side nearest the points. The best baits have been marabou jigs (in natural colors) tipped small twister type J tail baits (also in natural colors). Sometimes anglers are tipping the jigs with crappie nibbles. Live minnows on crappie jigs or hooks have been doing really good.

Walleye

The Walleye bite has been spotty but an occasional fish has been caught while fishing for bass in the upper James River. Best baits have been drop shot rigs baited with live night crawlers and minnows.

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.

Spoonbill

Large numbers of fish are being tracked in the James River, from Cape Fair to Point 15 and beyond on electronics. Few nice fish have been reported and it looks like this year is going to be a really good year.

Cape Fair marina is open, for hours and times please call the dock or the recorded voice message.

 

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.