Lake Level: 911.36
Water Clarity: Mostly Clear, to Clear, Upper James to Point 9
Water Temp: 68 degrees on the surface

Bass

The recent rains will raise the water level in the next few days and the cooler surface temps will help fishing to gradually improve. The best method to catch bass is still the drop shot rig. The best bait is still live night crawlers. The depth is varying according to the Shad depth and the bass are still following the shad schools. Some nice Kentucky Bass have been caught 25 or 30 feet down sometimes over 50 or 60 feet of water. Some fish have also been caught using shad colored Berkley Flat Fish, Sonar Minnows (Yum), and Z Mann Ned Baits on Ned Heads.

As the water begins to raise the shallow water pattern with crank baits, such as, KVD 1.5 (Shad and Crawfish colors) and Spinner Baits with Willow Leaf Blades (Chartreuse and White) will catch fish. A shakey head worm in green pumpkin or peanut butter and jelly colors will also work. The shallow water bite is between three and eight feet of water and usually early morning or late evening. With bright sunshine the bite will move a little deeper. This shallow bite is still on transition banks from channel to flats.

In the clear water areas, Hideaway Area, and below a spoon bite is beginning. The jigging spoon ½ or ¾ oz. (Dixie Jett) in silver or white fished on points with active shad schools between 25 and 30 feet deep has produced some nice Kentucky Bass. This pattern should hold for the next few weeks.

Blue Gill (no change)

Blue Gill are showing up in deep water while fishermen are fishing for Bass, in large numbers. These fish are quality nice large Blue Gill and are feeding on live night crawlers. Blue Gill can also be found under shaded boat docks, almost all day long and will hit night crawlers, wigglers and meal worms. The depth of the docks also varies, but larger docks seem to be better.
Some Blue Gill are also being taken in areas with standing timber on some creek channel banks and main lake bluff banks, near deep water (and on the occasional lay down around those deeper banks).

Crappie

The Crappie bite has not changed much. Fish are still being taken from brush piles that are located on main lake flats (near the river channel or creek channel banks) or on lay downs in those same areas. The best baits have been minnows and crappie jigs. Some fish have been taken trolling Head Hunter Crappie crank baits thru schools of active shad. Try fishing brush piles located in 15 to 20 feet of water.

Walleye (no change)

The Walleye bite has not improved in the James River Arm. The flats points near Hideaway Marina in 20 to 25 feet, and further toward Point 9 have slowed down considerably. The Blue Bird Sky’s are really hurting the fishing. There are reports of a few fish being caught while fishing for bass in deep water.

Catfish (no change)

The Catfish bite has started to slow. Some fish are still being caught near and under boat docks located in 20 to 30 feet of water by using jigging spoons, (white or silver colors). Jug fishing has has really slowed. A few have been caught on deeper bluffs floating cut bait. Bottom fishing in those areas with prepared baits, such as Magic Baits (night crawler or Liver and Chicken Blood) have netted some fish.

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.