Lake Level: 915.72
Water Clarity: Mostly Clear, to Clear, Upper James to Point 9
Water Temp: 87.8 degrees on the surface

Bass

The bass fishing has changed with the onset of the summer season. The fish are relating to a normal summer type pattern. The most productive bass bite, has been by fishing a drop-shot rig in 20 to 30 feet of water. The best bait, is still the use of live night crawlers, fished on a number 1 or 2 drop shot hook. The fish are being located on extended lake points over on some type of structure that is being frequented by the larger shad schools. The fish are Kentucky’s, Large Mouth, and an occasional Small Mouth. An angler will catch a lot of small fish and some larger keepers. Some fish have been taken by using artificial baits ; Berkley Flat Worm (natural colors), Ned baits (also natural colors) tubes have also taken some fish. These fish are being taken on rocky and bluff points in about 20 to 30 feet of water, with bait fish present. Most are being taken while dragging the above mentioned baits on the bottom.

There have been some fish being caught on 10 and 12 inch artificial worms, rigged Texas Style (the best colors have been red with gold flake and black grape). These baits are being fished on main lake channel bend bluffs with ledges between 25 and 35 feet deep, as the baits are dropped from ledge to ledge. Other baits catching fish in those same areas are Shakey Head Rigs using Zinker 5” Worms in PB&J or Goby and Sinko Worms (natural colors).

Another Pattern, common for this time of year, is fishing main lake points with deep diving crank baits (Strike King 5XD or 6XD, natural shad colors are doing well). These fish have been caught on Channel Bends in creeks and main lake ledge bluff banks also. In the early morning and late evening top water baits, Whopper Plopper 110 (River to Sea) shad colors and Berkley Chopo 105 also in natural colors are catching some really nice fish when shad are present.

Blue Gill

Blue Gill are still everywhere, they can be caught around almost any boat dock and around standing timber. They are feeding always when a bait is presented. They seem to be around 10 to 20 feet deep on sunny days and shallow when overcast. The best baits have been live night crawlers, meal worms, or small jigs tipped with blue gill bites. Some really nice sized fish have been caught around flats with lay-down timber present.

Crappie

The crappie bite has been a little better during the overcast days. Still some nice sized fish are being taken by soaking live minnows around lay-downs in deep coves or creeks. The fish can be taken anywhere cover is found in those areas. Some are still active on brush piles located in 20 feet of water. The best pattern has been feeding them live minnows and just keep fishing the same area the fish seem to keep reloading. Trolling crappie crank, like the Head Hunter 1 1/2”size in and around Shad Schools.

Walleye

The Walleye bite has improved in the James River Arm, where the water is clear. The flats points near Hideaway Marina in 20 to 25 feet, and further toward Point 9. Some are being taken on rocky points and bluff while dragging a live night crawler on a drop shot rig.

Catfish

The Catfish bite has not really changed. Some really nice 5 and 6 pound Channel Cat have been caught on both bluff and flat points, in the river and larger creek arms. The best baits have been cut bait, and prepared catfish baits (crawfish and blood) fished on the bottom in 25 feet of water. Spoon fishing for catfish has also picked up around some of the larger main lake docks. The fish seem to be in 20 to 30 feet of water and like gold or silver jigging spoons. Jug fishing has begun to improve, when floating cut bait over flat points, near deep water.

Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina are both fully operational. Stop by and take a look at our great prices on tackle items. If you don’t see the tackle you want, please let us know and we will try to order to fit your needs. We have a great selection of moderately priced rod and reel combos.

Note to Friends: Thanks for your patronage and please wear a life jacket, at all times. Have a Blessed and Safe Day on the water. Be careful and watch for swimmers and jet skis while running on the water