Lake Level: 917.3

Water Clarity:  Stained to clear in the James River, beginning to stain at point 15

Water Temp:  75 to 79 degrees

 

Bass

The Bass have moved to their summer pattern with the majority of the fish are being caught on deeper water locations. The drop shot rig has been the best set-up to catch fish. This pattern is catching mainly Kentucky Bass but many other species will be caught when fishing for Bass. These fish are located on main lake and in some cases on secondary points in actively longer active creeks. Those locations that are being frequented by shad schools. In some cases they are located on structure and other times they are passing through the area. The best bait for this fishing has been live nightcrawlers. The best depth has been 15 to 20 feet.

Another pattern that has began to catching some fish is the Carolina Rig, baited with a six inch worms. The best colors have been Green Pumpkin and some type of brown worm. Chartreuse and Red seems to work best, if the worm has it applied to the very tip. Garlic markers seem to also help the bite. The types of worms that have gotten the most bites is the Berkley (General) and the (Yum Dinger). The fish are hitting the bait as it is dragged across the points, near some type of structure, rocks standing timber or isolated  wood. The average depth has been between 6 to 18 feet, mainly determined by the water clarity.

Anglers are also using soft plastic swim baits rigged on the drop shot, natural shad colors seem to be the best choice. Those fish are coming in the same areas where schools of bait fish are viewed working on the top and moving on electronics. These same swim baits can also be fished individually and slow rolled through active shad schools where active fish are feeding on the schools.

Anglers should also be aware, with the excessive rain and rising water that we have recently had, a lot of bass and other species have moved into the bushes along the shoreline in main lake and some river coves to feed. Bass have reacted to small Jigs (green pumpkin and black and blue) seem to work the best.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill haven’t moved very much, they are between 4 and 10 feet of water. The fish are being taken near boat docks, on standing timber or lay down brush, in the same depths. The best bait is still live bait (night crawlers or small minnows, or crappie jigs with a small white or chartreuse trailer). There have also been some really nice size Blue Gill taken by drop shot fisherman while they are fishing deeper for Bass.

Crappie

The crappie are not very aggressive but will sometimes take a crappie jig and trailer (best trailer small twister type tails) in white or chartreuse colors and some natural shad colors. Some anglers occasionally have taken Crappie near brush or fallen timber on flats, near the original river channel in 10 to 15 feet of water.

Some Crappie are still being caught in creeks or longer coves, late evenings, when the Shad Schools begin to come in and or visible on the surface. These fish are being caught on small crank baits fished in and under the Shad Schools while trolling.

Walleye (No Change)

The Walleye have moved to their summer pattern.  The majority of the fish are being caught on extended points (main lake) or ledges, toward the clearer or deeper parts of the James River. The best fish are being caught on a drop shot rig with a live night crawler. They also seem to be near shad schools.  Also the better Walleye seem to be in areas where Kentucky Bass schools are feeding on a Shad school.

Catfish (No Change}

The catfish bite is picking up and the better fish seem to be caught early morning or late evening with some being taken at night. The majority of the fish are being caught on and around flat points on the main lake or secondary points in the creek arms. The fish are on the bottom in three to fifteen feet of water. Fishing Cut Bait (small blue gill seem to be the best} while floating across points the points, with Jugs or floats, with the bait being set about 2ft above the bottom. There are some nice fish being taken in and around larger boat docks using the spoon method. The best color of spoons are silver and chartreuse and white.

White Bass (No Change)

Some White bass have been caught in creeks (usually the longer active creeks), in the late afternoon or evening, directly in the middle of the creek or long cove. These fish are being caught under schooling Shad Balls that are visible on the top. The fish are hitting crank baits (natural shad colors) that are being trolled under these active Shad. Another method is throwing Road Runners (with twister type tails-Chartreuse or White) or small spinner baits toward the bank.

Cape Fair Marina is open for business between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Seven Days a week, the pumps are also open during store hours. Hideaway Marina Store and Gasoline Pumps are open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. For any additional information at either facility please contact the telephone information number at the respective marinas.

 

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 Day and a Safe Day on the water.