Lake Level: 914.98
Water Clarity: Mostly Clear, to Clear, Upper James to Point 9
Water Temp: 43 Degrees

 

Bass
Due to the dropping water temps, winter patterns are in full swing. The best bite has been vertical fishing with a deep flutter type spoon, like the Dixie Jet Spoon (1/2oz. Silver or Cole Slaw), or a Rapala Jigging Rap ( 5/8oz. Silver or Pearl). The bait has been fished near or under large schools of shad. Some of the larger shad schools have been located near larger creek mouths or points that drop into the original James River Channel. Anglers have to keep moving to locate these schools and fish the shad until they leave area. Then expand your area to re-locate the school.

 

Another pattern that has been catching some bass is the Alabama Rig (A-Rig). This rig baited with 3” or 3 ½” 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, many reports of 3 to 5 pound Bass have been caught. The most effective areas have been deep channel banks, with ledges. Work the ledges slowly fishing the bait until the fish are contacted. The average depth has been from 20 to 40 feet.

 

Blue Gill
Blue Gill have moved deeper, in the depth range of 25 to 30 feet. The best fish are being caught in and around deeper 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.

 

Crappie
The Crappie bite has slowed, a few have been caught on structure located near the main Channel Swings where shad are present. The depth has been 20 to 30 feet deep holding close to the structure.

 

Walleye
The Walleye bite is slow in the upper James River. Some have been caught fishing for Bass in the clear water past Hideaway to Point 9 but they have been small and few and far between near the shad schools on the original river channel.

 

Catfish
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.

 

Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina are both closed for the season. Gas can be purchased 10 am to 4 pm (Check our telephone message line for current hours of operation).  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.