How to Fish James River : Best Patterns & Techniques

James River

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on James River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-58	Bass are actively staging near spawning areas, focusing on pre-spawn feeding around hard cover and brush piles Fish are showing tide-influenced feeding patterns, with increased activity during falling and high tides Females are positioning near deeper holes while relating to adjacent shallow cover	Brush piles near spawning flats Laydowns in shallow water Hard cover adjacent to deeper holes	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked around brush piles Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near laydowns Structure Jigs worked slowly around hard cover	Crawfish Bluegill Shad	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but preferring slower presentations as noted in recent reports Fish holding in slower-moving water areas, becoming more active with warming trends but still temperature sensitive	Boulder fields and rock piles in slower-moving water, matching recent successful tournament pattern Secondary points near deep water access, providing pre-spawn staging areas Protected coves with hard bottom structure, offering warming water opportunities	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly, proven effective in recent tournament success Ned Rigs worked methodically around rock structure Tubes dragged slowly along bottom near rocky areas	Minnows, confirmed as primary forage in recent fishing reports Crawfish becoming more active with warming water	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Pre-spawn catfish are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from winter deep holes to transitional areas near spawning flats Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during warming trends and around tide changes	Channel edges and deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats, especially near creek arms Areas with laydowns and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points and structure changes where deep water meets potential spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or large minnows, positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') working channel edges and deeper holes Carolina Rigs dragged slowly along transitional areas between deep and shallow water	Shad schools beginning to move shallower Bluegill becoming more active in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskie are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, making frequent moves between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning locations Fish are opportunistic but not yet highly aggressive, targeting larger prey near emerging vegetation and timber	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access Standing timber in 8-12 foot transition areas Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along transition areas Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near structure Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow Various panfish species in transition zones	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Striped bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are following shad schools in open water while also utilizing points and current seams for ambush feeding opportunities	Deep, open water basins where schools of bait are holding Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas Current seams and areas of water movement where bait congregates	Live Bait Rigs with fresh shad or herring suspended at bait-holding depth Umbrella Rigs worked through schools of baitfish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding in deeper water	Shad (primary forage based on multiple lake inferences) Herring and other baitfish utilizing current seams	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-72	Bass are actively spawning and protecting beds in shallow waters 1-5 feet deep, with males guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Fish are highly territorial and aggressive around bedding areas, especially near hard bottom areas with cover like cypress trees and docks Feeding activity is tide-dependent, with increased activity during moving water periods	Shallow flats with cypress trees and submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet of water Protected dock areas with hard bottom and gravel Creek arms with submerged reeds and vegetation Laydowns and fallen timber in protected pockets	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and cover Drop Shot for more finesse approach around beds Bladed Jigs for pre-spawn fish around points Ned Rigs for pressured bed fish	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Crawfish active on hard bottom areas Shad moving into spawning pockets	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-68	Smallmouth bass are actively staging for spawn near islands and rock piles, with high catch rates indicating concentrated fish Fish are aggressive and feeding heavily before spawning, with reports showing multiple boats catching 40-50 fish per day	Islands with rocky structure Rock piles in spawning depth zones Protected shallow areas with hard bottom	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with light jigheads Swim Jigs worked steadily through staging areas Soft Jerkbaits rigged weightless	Crawfish emerging in warming water Small baitfish around rocky areas	Chartreuse Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Catfish are moving into shallower pre-spawn staging areas, particularly around creek arms and woody structure, becoming more active with warming water Males beginning to search for and prepare nesting sites in cavities near laydowns and brush piles, while females feed heavily before spawning	Creek arms and channel edges where deeper water meets shallow flats Laydowns and brush piles in 4-8 feet of water, especially near creek channels Protected coves with abundant woody cover and stable temperatures	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with large soft plastics around wood cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near staging areas	Shad congregating in creek arms and shallow flats Bluegill becoming more active in shallow areas around cover	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-62	Male muskies move into shallow spawning areas (2-6 ft) first, with females following as water temperatures stabilize Post-spawn females recover in adjacent deeper water near spawning areas while males guard nests Feeding activity is reduced during actual spawning but increases during pre and post-spawn periods	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation and timber in 2-6 ft depth Points and grass edges adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 ft depth Protected coves with standing timber and lily pad growth	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits near timber and grass edges Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in slightly deeper recovery areas	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas Shad schools in transitional areas Small bass species utilizing similar spawning habitat	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn staging and spawning behavior, with fish moving from deep wintering areas to shallower spawning grounds. Fish are actively feeding to build energy for spawn. Dawn and dusk feeding periods become more pronounced, with fish targeting shad in current seams and around structure	Main lake points and channel edges leading to spawning areas Current seams near submerged timber and vegetation Protected coves with adequate depth for staging	Live Bait Rigs with larger shad presentations Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Smaller baitfish utilizing emerging vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad and other baitfish around grass edges and wood cover Fish are establishing predictable feeding patterns in the 2-5 foot depth range, especially during tidal movements	Points adjacent to grass edges, particularly during feeding periods Laydowns and cypress knees in 2-5 feet of water Grass edges with nearby deeper water access	Texas Rigs (Worming) with Senkos fished weightless for numbers Wacky Rigs around wood cover and vegetation edges Swim Jigs worked along grass edges and points	Shad schooling around grass edges and points Bluegill in and around shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively feeding and moving to shallow, rocky areas post-spawn with water temperatures between 58-68°F Showing aggressive feeding behavior during rising water conditions, particularly around current-influenced areas	Rock piles and boulder fields in shallow to moderate depths Current-influenced areas with hard structure Points and coves with rocky structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked steadily through rocky areas Bladed Jigs with trailer in current areas Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic retrieves in shallow zones	Minnows Small baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing current breaks and structure near deeper water Fish are transitioning from winter holding areas to shallower feeding zones, especially during dawn and dusk	Creek arms and deeper holes adjacent to shallow feeding flats Laydowns and brush piles near channel edges Areas where tidal current meets structure, creating feeding zones	Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and timber Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and shallow cover	Shad schools moving into shallower water Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn recovery phase with gradually increasing activity levels as water warms Beginning to establish feeding zones near shallow vegetation and timber Moving between shallow recovery areas and nearby deeper water staging points	Shallow grass edges and lily pads in 2-6 foot range adjacent to deeper water Standing timber and cypress trees in 4-8 foot depths Points and irregular shoreline features with mixed vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along grass edges Spinnerbaits around timber and point transitions Trolling Shallow (0-9') along habitat transitions	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Shad schools starting to move shallow Various panfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad in open water and along structure edges Fish are following current seams and tide movements, setting up ambush points near points and standing timber	Main lake points with access to deep water Standing timber areas near current seams Open water areas where shad are schooling	Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) along points and timber Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in areas with suspended bait	Shad schools recovering from spawn Smaller baitfish utilizing structure edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-87	Fish are actively feeding during early morning and late evening, with a strong preference for ambush points near current seams and grass edges During midday heat, bass relocate to shaded areas near cypress trees, laydowns, and dock areas Tidal influences create distinct feeding windows, with increased activity during the last two hours of outgoing and first hour of incoming tides	Outer edges of grass lines and vegetation, especially where current creates defined edges Laydowns and brush piles in 5 feet or less of water Cypress trees and timber, particularly during mid-day periods Lily pad fields, especially during morning hours	Bladed Jigs worked steadily along grass edges for larger fish Shakey Heads around laydowns and timber for consistent numbers Buzzbaits and Frogs/Toads during early morning around pad fields Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around wood cover	Bluegill concentrating around pad fields and shallow cover Shad relating to grass edges and current seams Minnows present along vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	75-85	Actively feeding on surface and shallow water prey, showing aggressive behavior particularly during early morning and evening hours Relating heavily to current breaks and moving water, with fish positioning behind structure for ambush points Exhibiting strong topwater feeding patterns, especially around cover and shaded areas during midday	Fast-moving water sections with boulder structure Shaded banks with laydown cover River channels with rocky structure	Buzzbaits worked along shaded banks and over structure Hard Topwater (Walking) presentations in calm water areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during early and midday periods	Surface-oriented insects and aquatic invertebrates Minnows in the upper water column Crawfish around rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-87	Actively feeding in warmer water, with peak activity during dawn, dusk, and night hours. Moving between deeper holes and shallow feeding areas based on forage availability and tidal influence Utilizing structure like laydowns and brush piles as ambush points during feeding periods, particularly around areas with current or tidal movement	Deep holes near creek channel edges, especially those adjacent to shallow feeding flats Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Shallow backwater areas with cypress trees during early morning and evening hours	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and cypress trees Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in deeper holes during midday	Shad schools concentrated around structure and channel edges Bluegill in shallow areas around cypress trees and reed beds Bottom-dwelling crawfish around woody structure and rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Muskie	72-85	Actively feeding around dawn/dusk near vegetation edges and timber, with increased activity during weather changes Establishing hunting territories near primary forage concentrations, particularly around shad schools Moving between shallow and deeper water throughout the day, using standing timber as shade during peak heat	Grass edges and weed lines in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near points Standing timber and cypress trees providing shade during midday Submerged brush piles adjacent to deeper water access	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and timber lines during prime feeding periods Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked through standing timber Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for targeting fish relating to shad schools Buzzbaits and Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods	Shad schools suspending near structure Bluegill relating to vegetation and wood cover Bass (both largemouth and striped) as opportunistic prey	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	68-82	During summer, striped bass exhibit distinct thermal refuging behavior, moving deep during bright midday hours (typically 20'+ deep) and becoming more active in shallower water during dawn/dusk periods Schooling behavior intensifies as fish chase shad schools, often creating surface feeding frenzies early and late in the day Fish relate strongly to current seams and areas of water movement, especially during feeding periods	Deep main lake points adjacent to baitfish holding areas Standing timber in 15-25 foot depth range Current-swept areas near channel bends Submerged vegetation edges where they intersect with deeper water	Trolling Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Hard Topwater (Walking) Umbrella Rigs	Shad schools in open water and around structure Smaller baitfish relating to submerged vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for James River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	57-79	Bass are actively feeding on baitfish, transitioning between shallow and mid-depth areas while following forage Fish are relating strongly to cover (laydowns and grass edges) in 2-5 ft depths, showing aggressive feeding behavior during optimal temperature periods	Laydowns in 2-5 feet of water, particularly outer edges Grass line edges in shallow to mid-depth zones Ledges near shallow feeding areas	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along grass edges Structure Jigs flipped to laydowns Spinnerbaits around shallow cover	Minnows/Shad schooling in shallow to mid-depth areas Crappie around structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Actively feeding on crawfish in shallow to mid-depth zones, taking advantage of clear water conditions Moving between laydowns and rock structures, following cooling water temperatures and baitfish movements	Laydowns in 5-10 foot depth range Rocky points and transitions near deeper water Hard structure areas with abundant crawfish	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around structure Ned Rigs dragged along rock-to-wood transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish	Crawfish Small baitfish transitioning to deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and responding to cooling water temperatures Moving between deeper channel areas and shallow feeding zones, particularly active during low-light periods	Deep holes near creek channel intersections with abundant woody cover Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water Creek arm drop-offs where shad schools congregate	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through deeper holes	Shad schools beginning their fall migration patterns Bluegill relating to remaining brush and woody cover Dying or injured baitfish affected by turnover conditions	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-68	Muskie become increasingly aggressive in fall, feeding heavily to build energy reserves for winter. They're actively pursuing larger prey items along predictable movement corridors. Fish are following shad schools and transitioning between summer and winter locations, often staging near deep-water access points.	Points and grass edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where vegetation is dying back Standing timber and cypress trees in 8-15 foot depth range Areas where shad schools are congregating, particularly near structural transitions	Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked along grass edges and through timber Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along points and channel edges Spinnerbaits worked through dying vegetation and around timber	Shad schools congregating in larger groups for fall migration Bluegill remaining active near vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Striped bass actively feeding on shad schools in open water and near structure, following baitfish migrations to shallower areas Fish transitioning between deep and shallow water throughout the day, with most aggressive feeding during low light periods	Main lake points and channel edges where current meets structure Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad schools congregate Standing timber areas in 15-25 foot depth range	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Shad schools migrating to shallower creek arms Suspended baitfish near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-46	Bass are suspending near cover and moving slowly, requiring slower presentations as evidenced by recent reports Fish are opportunistically feeding during warming trends and responding well to baitfish imitations, particularly around unique cover like ice sheets and brush piles	Brush piles in 8-14 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to steep banks Rocky points and banks with nearby deep water access Creek channels with woody cover in intermediate depths	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses between twitches Shakey Heads presented slowly around cover Drop Shot with small profile baits for suspended fish	Shad schooling in creek channels and near points Crawfish in rocky areas and brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	45-65	Fish are holding in deeper winter locations but will move shallower on warmer days, as evidenced by the recent 64°F water temperature report Feeding activity is reduced and fish are showing selective behavior - following but not committing to faster moving baits as noted in recent reports	Laydowns in 0-9 foot range, particularly those near deeper water access as mentioned in recent reports Rock piles and boulder areas that retain heat and provide winter holding areas Creek channel bends and deeper structure given the lake's elongated shape	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom as proven in recent reports Drop Shot with small profile baits for inactive fish Blade Baits worked slowly through deeper areas	Minnows as confirmed by recent fishing reports Smaller profile prey given winter conditions	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	38-45	Catfish are congregating in deep basin areas with reduced activity levels due to cold water temperatures Fish are likely schooling in winter holding areas, feeding opportunistically during warmer periods	Deep basin areas and holes in main lake Channel edges adjacent to deep water Deep structure near creek arm confluences	Live Bait Rigs with slow, subtle presentations Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)	Shad Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	38-45	Winter muskie become more lethargic but still feed opportunistically, typically holding near deep structure adjacent to primary forage locations Fish typically suspend in the water column, making fewer but more deliberate movements to conserve energy in cold conditions	Deep timber edges where standing cypress trees meet deeper water Points with access to both shallow and deep water Deeper brush piles adjacent to grass line transitions	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Suspended bluegill near deeper structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	38-48	Striped bass are schooling in deep, open water basins following large schools of shad, with most active feeding during low-light periods Fish are suspending at varying depths based on thermoclines and baitfish location, typically staying in the most comfortable temperature range	Deep, open water basins where schools of shad are congregating Areas with current seams or water movement near deep structure Deep points and channel edges adjacent to major creek arms	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Umbrella Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Schooling shad in deep water Suspended baitfish near thermoclines	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in James River

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles near spawning flats	Laydowns in shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in slower-moving water, matching recent successful tournament pattern	Secondary points near deep water access, providing pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats, especially near creek arms	Areas with laydowns and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Standing timber in 8-12 foot transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Deep, open water basins where schools of bait are holding	Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow flats with cypress trees and submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet of water	Protected dock areas with hard bottom and gravel
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Islands with rocky structure	Rock piles in spawning depth zones
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Creek arms and channel edges where deeper water meets shallow flats	Laydowns and brush piles in 4-8 feet of water, especially near creek channels
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation and timber in 2-6 ft depth	Points and grass edges adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 ft depth
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel edges leading to spawning areas	Current seams near submerged timber and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points adjacent to grass edges, particularly during feeding periods	Laydowns and cypress knees in 2-5 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in shallow to moderate depths	Current-influenced areas with hard structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek arms and deeper holes adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Laydowns and brush piles near channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow grass edges and lily pads in 2-6 foot range adjacent to deeper water	Standing timber and cypress trees in 4-8 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water	Standing timber areas near current seams
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Outer edges of grass lines and vegetation, especially where current creates defined edges	Laydowns and brush piles in 5 feet or less of water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Fast-moving water sections with boulder structure	Shaded banks with laydown cover
Summer	Catfish	Deep holes near creek channel edges, especially those adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Muskie	Grass edges and weed lines in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near points	Standing timber and cypress trees providing shade during midday
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to baitfish holding areas	Standing timber in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns in 2-5 feet of water, particularly outer edges	Grass line edges in shallow to mid-depth zones
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Laydowns in 5-10 foot depth range	Rocky points and transitions near deeper water
Fall	Catfish	Deep holes near creek channel intersections with abundant woody cover	Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Muskie	Points and grass edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where vegetation is dying back	Standing timber and cypress trees in 8-15 foot depth range
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel edges where current meets structure	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad schools congregate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 8-14 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to steep banks	Rocky points and banks with nearby deep water access
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Laydowns in 0-9 foot range, particularly those near deeper water access as mentioned in recent reports	Rock piles and boulder areas that retain heat and provide winter holding areas
Winter	Catfish	Deep basin areas and holes in main lake	Channel edges adjacent to deep water
Winter	Muskie	Deep timber edges where standing cypress trees meet deeper water	Points with access to both shallow and deep water
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep, open water basins where schools of shad are congregating	Areas with current seams or water movement near deep structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish	Bluegill
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows, confirmed as primary forage in recent fishing reports	Crawfish becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallower	Bluegill becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple lake inferences)	Herring and other baitfish utilizing current seams
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Crawfish active on hard bottom areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming water	Small baitfish around rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad congregating in creek arms and shallow flats	Bluegill becoming more active in shallow areas around cover
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas	Shad schools in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Smaller baitfish utilizing emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling around grass edges and points	Bluegill in and around shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Small baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into shallower water	Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Shad schools starting to move shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools recovering from spawn	Smaller baitfish utilizing structure edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around pad fields and shallow cover	Shad relating to grass edges and current seams
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Surface-oriented insects and aquatic invertebrates	Minnows in the upper water column
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated around structure and channel edges	Bluegill in shallow areas around cypress trees and reed beds
Summer	Muskie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Bluegill relating to vegetation and wood cover
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Smaller baitfish relating to submerged vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows/Shad schooling in shallow to mid-depth areas	Crappie around structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish	Small baitfish transitioning to deeper water
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools beginning their fall migration patterns	Bluegill relating to remaining brush and woody cover
Fall	Muskie	Shad schools congregating in larger groups for fall migration	Bluegill remaining active near vegetation edges
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to shallower creek arms	Suspended baitfish near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in creek channels and near points	Crawfish in rocky areas and brush piles
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Smaller profile prey given winter conditions
Winter	Catfish	Shad	Bluegill
Winter	Muskie	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Suspended bluegill near deeper structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling shad in deep water	Suspended baitfish near thermoclines

Bait Colors by Season for James River

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Chartreuse Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Muskie	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors