Lake Level:  908.02

Water Clarity:  Mostly Clear, Upper James to Point 9

Water Temp:  42 degrees on the surface

Bass

Bass fishing has really began to pick-up with the last little warming trend and temperatures we have had. One pattern that has started producing fish is the crank bait bite. This bite has been producing bass in 4 to 10 feet of water and seems to work better when there is wind blowing. It doesn’t seem to matter if the sun is out or not. The two best baits have been a Strike King 5XD or 6XD in brown crawdad colors (the belly color doesn’t seem to matter). Also the Spro Rock Crawler in brown crawdad colors (with orange or red belly). Both of these crank should be thrown with a medium retrieve and let them walk through rocks or cover, mainly on flats or flat points in the main lake or about 1/3 of the way back in the creeks.

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 to be baited 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 10 to 25 feet. Wind makes this bite better, but fish can still be caught during non-wind conditions.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill have moved shallower, between 6 and 15 feet of water. The better fish are still 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 located in the area). The Blue Gill seem to be a little more active on sunny days and wind blowing on the fishing area.

Crappie

The crappie have started to bite. Fish are being taken on flats off of the main river channel. They seem to be roving on those flats following bait schools. The best bait has been crappie jigs with small twister type tails in white or chartreuse colors and some natural shad colors. Some anglers have been placing a minnow nose hooked behind the jig. The better fish are being caught in the upper James River Area.

Walleye

Some Walleye have been caught while fishermen are fishing for bass, (usually Kentucky Bass) on points. These fish are few and far between and are usually smaller in size and caught on a drop shot rig in 15 to 25 feet of water on live bait (night crawlers).

Catfish

The catfish bite is really almost slowed to a stop. The majority of the fish are being caught under and around the deeper boat docks. The Spoon Pattern or live bait is the best 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.