Lake Level:  909.16 

Water Clarity:  Mostly Clear, Upper James to Point 9

Water Temp:  34 degrees on the surface

 

Bass

Bass fishing has really been slow, the best bite has been for Kentucky Bass with a vertical approach, near large schools of Shad. The shad seem to be moving back and forth over some sort of structure on the old river channel. Some have been caught on deeper main lake points near pieces of structure. The best baits have been Rapala Jigging Raps or Dixie Jet type spoons in natural colors (white or pearl, with red or chartreuse added). Another type of bait is gold or silver spoons jigged near the structure using a quick upward movement with very little drop. These baits are being fished between 15 and 30 feet of water and moved thru the shad school that are present.

Another pattern is fishing the A-Rig slowly along deeper ledges along channel bend bluffs and bluff points (usually parallel with the ledge or point drop on either side of the point). The Rig needs too be baited with with 3” or 3 ½ ” boot tail baits (natural colors and pro blue colors have been the best). Sometimes the angler may need to add some color to the tip of the baits, (red chartreuse, or blue has worked best). The best depth has been 20 to 40 feet.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill have moved deeper, between 15 and 30 feet of water. The better fish are being taken on the deeper boat docks under and on the sides of those docks. Or on standing timber, in the same depths, near standing timber where shad or other bait fish or located. The best bait is still live bait (night crawlers or small minnows if they can be found in the area). The Blue Gill seem to be a little more active on sunny days.

Crappie

The crappie have slowed also, some fish are still being taken on or near to structure in 20 to 30 feet of water near the original river channel but usually on the long flat side of the channel drop. The best bait has been crappie jigs with small twister type tails in white or chartreuse colors and some natural shad colors.

Walleye

Some Walleye have been caught while fishermen are fishing for bass (in those same deeper areas on Jigging Spoons and Rapala Jigging Raps. These fish are few and far between and are usually smaller in size.

Catfish

The catfish bite has slowed to a stop, almost. The majority of the fish are being caught under and around the deeper boat docks. The Spoon Pattern is the best approach in silver or white and red or white and chartreuse. The fish are on the bottom, the fisherman needs to drop the spoon to the bottom and raise it slowly, a foot or so off the bottom and let it fall. You probably will not feel the bite; the bait will just get heavy and move slowly.

 

Cape Fair and Hideaway Marinas are both closed for the season. Gas can be purchased during day time hours (please check the telephone message system for hours of operation).

 

Note to Friends: Thanks for your patronage and please dress warm, and 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. If I can provide any additional information, please let the office know and they will get in touch with me.