How to Fish Lake James: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake James

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake James

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are showing increased aggression and feeding activity, particularly around docks and other shallow cover as evidenced by recent catch reports	Docks, particularly those near deeper water as confirmed by multiple recent catches Transition areas between stained and clear water, especially near the dam as noted in fishing reports Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - proven effective in recent reports, especially around docks Spinnerbaits - successful pattern noted in reports, particularly effective in stained water areas Hard Jerkbaits - effective for suspended fish in clearer water sections	Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing success Minnows - confirmed as active forage in fishing reports Blueback Herring - indicated as primary forage in lake profile	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. Recent reports show fish are becoming more aggressive, with solo fish being spotted in shallower water. Fish are showing increased activity during sunny periods, with reports indicating they're holding in 5-15 foot depths and responding well to moving baits	Shallow rocky areas and boulders in 5-15 foot depths, as evidenced by recent fishing reports Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with rock or boulder structure Areas between deeper wintering holes and potential spawning flats, where pre-spawn fish stage	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin, which has proven effective in recent catches Bladed Jigs in shallow water, supported by recent successful reports Hard Jerkbaits, particularly effective when sun is out as mentioned in reports	Shad, which multiple recent reports indicate as primary forage Yellow Perch, particularly juvenile specimens as noted in recent catches Crawfish, becoming more active as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	43-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively staging near spawning areas, making frequent movements between deeper staging areas (20-30 feet) and shallower pre-spawn locations Fish are schooling aggressively and feeding heavily to prepare for spawning, with peak activity during morning and evening hours	River channel edges in 15-25 foot depths where perch stage before moving shallow Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas in 8-15 foot depths Hard bottom areas near emerging weed growth in 5-12 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad schools in deeper staging areas Small invertebrates near bottom structure Emerging aquatic insects in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, becoming more active as water temperatures rise and moving into shallower protected areas Feeding activity increases with warming trends, particularly around emerging vegetation and dock structures where insects and small invertebrates are becoming active	Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation, especially near docks Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with brush piles Secondary points leading into spawning bays where bluegill stage before spawning	Live Bait Rigs under bobbers, worked slowly around dock structures and vegetation Micro Crankbaits cast parallel to shoreline structure in 3-6 feet of water Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically around brush piles and dock posts	Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters Small crustaceans around dock structures and vegetation Emerging aquatic nymphs in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie suspending 15-20 feet deep near vertical cover, actively feeding during early morning hours especially during cloudy conditions Fish staging near spawning areas but still maintaining deeper holding patterns, likely to move shallower as temperatures continue to rise	Brush piles and dock posts in 15-20 foot depth range Creek channel bends with vertical cover near spawning coves Secondary points with submerged timber leading into spawning bays	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad suspended in the mid-water column Small bluegill around brush and dock structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Largemouth bass are actively spawning or preparing to spawn, with males guarding nests in shallow water and females moving between staging and spawning areas Fish are highly territorial and aggressive when protecting beds, making them responsive to flipped or pitched baits Males staying tight to shallow cover like dock posts and laydowns, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats	Shallow docks in protected coves and pockets Laydowns and wood cover in spawning flats Protected areas between docks with spawning substrate	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - essential for precise presentations around docks and beds Wacky Rigs - effective for covering water and catching staging fish Soft Jerkbaits - good for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent fishing reports Bluegill - common spawning area competitors	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively spawning with numerous fish on beds, particularly around docks and shallow areas Fish transitioning between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones, with some still staging	Docks with adjacent shallow flats for spawning Rock banks and rip rap areas Laydowns near spawning flats	Ned Rigs worked slowly around beds and shallow structure Wacky Rigs presented near docks and spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Crawfish active in rocky areas Shad moving into spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	43-55	Yellow perch are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning zones near weedy areas and hard bottom Fish are actively feeding before and after spawning, with peak activity during dawn and dusk Post-spawn fish gradually transition back to deeper water, following established river channels and points	Shallow weedy flats with hard bottom in 6-12 feet of water Channel edges and points adjacent to spawning areas in 15-20 feet Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 8-15 feet	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small invertebrates in shallow zones Juvenile baitfish near emerging weed growth	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning and defending nests in shallow protected areas, particularly around docks and other cover Feeding actively on insects in the shallows, with increased aggression during nest defense	Floating docks in protected coves, especially where spawning beds are present Shallow protected areas with firm bottom for spawning Areas with aquatic vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range	Wacky Rigs skipped under docks Bobbers with small soft plastics or live bait Crappie Dock Shooting with small plastics	Insects and small aquatic larvae Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are moving from deeper pre-spawn staging areas towards shallow spawning areas, utilizing creek channels as migration routes Fish are becoming increasingly active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, staging near brush piles and docks at 15-20 feet before moving shallower Feeding activity intensifies during pre-spawn, with fish actively pursuing shad in preparation for spawning	Protected shallow coves with brush piles near creek channel intersections Dock areas adjacent to deeper water in 15-20 foot range Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Small sunfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-74	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, with some still guarding fry near shoreline cover while others are moving to deeper staging areas Fish are showing strong early morning activity with topwater feeding, then moving to deeper structure as the day progresses Bass are relating heavily to cover, particularly docks and laydowns, using these structures as ambush points	Docks and their connecting walkways, especially those near deeper water Laydowns and flooded brush on secondary points River channel edges in 20-30 foot depth range Flat basins near river inlets for morning topwater action	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and shoreline cover Hard Topwater (Walking) during morning hours Drop Shot for suspended fish around deeper structure Shakey Heads worked along secondary point ledges	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points Shad suspended around deeper structure Bluegill in shallow areas around docks and cover	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	67-75	Fish have moved from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding around brush, points, and docks in the 67-75°F range Showing preference for slower presentations near structure, with increased feeding activity on shad and minnows	Secondary points with flooded brush - primary staging areas post-spawn Main lake points with rock piles - transition areas Docks in spawning pockets - recovery areas	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through brush and around structure Carolina Rigs dragged across rock piles on points Soft Body Swimbaits around docks and shallow areas	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	58-68	Post-spawn yellow perch are transitioning to deeper water, following shad schools along river channels and points in 20-30 foot depths Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, with most activity occurring in deeper zones where water temperatures are more stable	River channels in 20-30 foot depths where shad are congregating Points adjacent to spawning bays that provide access to deeper water Hard bottom areas along channel edges where perch can ambush prey	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs	Shad Small minnows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper water Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, often relating to dock edges and nearby deeper water	Dock edges and corners in 4-8 feet of water Brush piles near spawning flats in 6-12 feet Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around structure Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures	Small insects and larvae Young-of-year shad Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, following creek channels and suspending near vertical cover Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting shad in the 15-20 foot depth range during bright conditions	Brush piles and dock posts positioned along creek channels in 15-20 foot depths Main lake points near deep water access where channels intersect Suspended cover (dock corners, standing timber) adjacent to spawning coves	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges to locate active schools Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to shade under docks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located	Shad schools suspending in the same depth range as crappie Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around shallow brush	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	Establishing both deep and shallow feeding patterns with early morning/late evening shallow activity and midday deep structure holding patterns Actively feeding on both shad and bluegill, with increased topwater activity around bluegill beds and suspended feeding around baitfish schools	Main lake points in 20-30 feet of water Floating docks with deep water access Bridge and dock pilings Shallow areas with bluegill beds near cover	Drop Shot with straight tail worms around deeper structure Hard Topwater (Popping) early morning over bluegill beds Carolina Rigs across points and humps during midday Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around docks	Shad - primary forage in deeper water Bluegill - concentrated around shallow cover and beds Blueback Herring - suspended in open water	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	75-82	Active early morning topwater feeding on blueback herring and shad around main lake points and surface Transitioning to deeper water (25-35ft) during midday, relating to structure and drop-offs Suspending near bait schools and actively chasing pelagic forage throughout water column	Main lake points with access to deep water (25-35ft) Riprap areas and bridge pilings Offshore humps with active bait schools	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along drop-offs with burn-and-pause retrieve Drop Shot for finesse approach when active presentations slow	Blueback Herring - primary forage showing in surface feeding activity Shad - consistently present in deeper water and around structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Yellow perch are seeking deeper, cooler water during summer months, typically suspending near thermocline or relating to deep structure Feeding activity becomes most intense during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are more moderate Schools become more concentrated in summer as fish group up in comfortable temperature zones	Deep points and channel edges in 20-30 foot range where cooler water is accessible Deeper weed edges where they transition to hard bottom Suspended locations near river channel bends where current provides oxygen-rich water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools in deeper water Small invertebrates near weed edges Young-of-year baitfish in suspended schools	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegill are actively feeding in shallow to moderate depths, particularly around dock structures and vegetation edges during early morning and evening hours During midday heat, fish move slightly deeper but remain near cover, suspending around dock posts and brush piles	Docks with deep water access, especially those with brush or vegetation nearby Weed edges and pockets in 4-12 feet of water Brush piles adjacent to shoreline points	Live Bait Rigs with small worms or crickets under slip bobbers Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around dock posts Finesse Hair Jigs tipped with plastic worked vertically near structure	Aquatic insects and larvae Small minnows and shad fry Zooplankton near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappie will be suspending in deeper water (18-25 feet) near brush piles and creek channel edges during summer due to thermal stratification Fish become more active during early morning and evening periods, moving slightly shallower to feed Schools will be tightly grouped around structure during midday periods	Deep brush piles positioned along creek channel edges Suspended cover near deeper dock edges in 15-25 foot range Main lake points where creek channels intersect	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools suspending in the same depth ranges as crappie Small bluegill relating to brush piles Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake James

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively feeding on shad in preparation for winter, moving between docks and laydowns while following baitfish schools Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, with reports showing consistent activity around docks and woody cover at moderate depths	Docks with deep water access, particularly those that can be skipped under Laydowns and woody cover near shoreline Points with access to deeper water	Soft plastics skipped under docks (Wacky Rigs, Ned Rigs) Texas Rigs worked slowly through laydowns with light weights Soft Body Swimbaits worked around dock areas Shakey Heads worked on points and transitions	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Crawfish (evidenced by success of jigs and creature baits)	Green Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding on baitfish (shad and herring) in deeper water, with fish following bait schools in 20-30 foot depth range Transitioning between shallow feeding areas near docks and deeper offshore structure as temperatures fluctuate	Deep brush piles and offshore structure in 20-30 foot range Wind-blown docks with nearby access to deeper water Main lake points near baitfish schools	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended baitfish schools Hard Jerkbaits around docks and shallow structure Drop Shot rigs worked along deep structure and brush piles	Shad in large schools Blueback Herring in offshore areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	52-62	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools (particularly shad) and relating to structure Fish are making transitional movements from deeper summer haunts to intermediary depths, especially around points and channel edges	Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 15-25 foot depths Hard bottom areas adjacent to deep water sanctuaries Weed edges where vegetation is starting to die off	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points Small yellow perch Remaining juvenile sunfish in shallower areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-68	Actively feeding and schooling in preparation for winter, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following baitfish, with a tendency to hold tight to structure	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near points and coves Deeper dock areas with good sun exposure Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended at target depth Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around structure Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily near cover	Small minnows and shad Aquatic insects Remaining summer invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, following shad schools as they migrate into creek arms and coves Fish are actively schooling and suspending at mid-depths (12-18 feet) near channel swings and brush piles More aggressive feeding during overcast conditions, moving shallower in low-light periods	Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles Deep dock edges near channel swings Staging points at the mouths of major creek arms	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools migrating into creeks Small bluegill around brush piles Young-of-year baitfish in creek arms	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	43-53	Bass are holding in deeper water (25-35 feet) along river channels and near deep structure, suspending near schools of shad Fish are showing a preference for smaller profile baits and finesse presentations in the clear water conditions Active feeding periods occur around bait schools, with bass actively chasing shad in points and channel areas	River channels in 25-35 foot depth range Bridge pilings with nearby deep water access Points with active bait schools present	Drop Shot with small profile baits Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools Damiki Rig presented directly to suspended fish	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Blueback Herring (noted in lake profile as primary forage)	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	44-47	Smallmouth bass are suspending near large schools of shad in creek channels and main lake areas, showing a clear pattern of following and feeding on baitfish Fish are actively feeding but with more lethargic winter bites, requiring finesse presentations and sensitive detection of strikes	Creek channels with suspended bait schools, particularly in the cleaner Linville arm of the lake Main lake points where baitfish schools are congregating Clean water areas with suspended bait, away from muddy/stained water conditions	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through suspended bait schools Damiki Rig presented vertically to suspended fish marked on electronics Drop Shot with subtle movements when fish are less aggressive	Threadfin Shad schooling in winter patterns General baitfish schools concentrated in deeper water	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	39-45	Yellow perch are schooling tightly and holding near bottom structure in moderately deep water, actively feeding on shad during stable weather periods Fish are making shorter feeding movements, primarily during low-light periods, focusing on precise structural elements like points	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near channel swings Deep water sanctuary areas in 20-30 foot range adjacent to structural elements Channel edge transitions where shad schools concentrate in winter	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with methodical lifts and drops Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools	Shad schools concentrated in winter locations Small perch (cannibalistic feeding)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	44-52	Schooling in deeper water areas adjacent to structure, typically suspending at depths of 15-25 feet Feeding activity is reduced but concentrated during prime warming periods, especially during early afternoon hours Schools remain fairly stationary once located, with minimal movement between feeding periods	Deep brush piles near main lake points and channel breaks Deeper dock areas in protected coves Deep water adjacent to shallow flats where summer/fall feeding occurred	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Dormant micro invertebrates Juvenile shad in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-48	Crappie are suspending in tight schools near deep structure, typically moving less but feeding opportunistically Fish tend to be more lethargic, requiring slower presentations and concentrated in predictable areas	Deep brush piles near creek channel intersections (18-25 feet) Deeper dock structures adjacent to creek channels (15-20 feet) Main lake points with access to deep water (20-30 feet)	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Hover/Mid-Strolling Ice Fishing Jigs	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish relating to brush piles Dormant crustaceans near bottom structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake James

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks, particularly those near deeper water as confirmed by multiple recent catches	Transition areas between stained and clear water, especially near the dam as noted in fishing reports
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow rocky areas and boulders in 5-15 foot depths, as evidenced by recent fishing reports	Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with rock or boulder structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	River channel edges in 15-25 foot depths where perch stage before moving shallow	Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation, especially near docks	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with brush piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and dock posts in 15-20 foot depth range	Creek channel bends with vertical cover near spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow docks in protected coves and pockets	Laydowns and wood cover in spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Docks with adjacent shallow flats for spawning	Rock banks and rip rap areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow weedy flats with hard bottom in 6-12 feet of water	Channel edges and points adjacent to spawning areas in 15-20 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Floating docks in protected coves, especially where spawning beds are present	Shallow protected areas with firm bottom for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush piles near creek channel intersections	Dock areas adjacent to deeper water in 15-20 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks and their connecting walkways, especially those near deeper water	Laydowns and flooded brush on secondary points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points with flooded brush - primary staging areas post-spawn	Main lake points with rock piles - transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	River channels in 20-30 foot depths where shad are congregating	Points adjacent to spawning bays that provide access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dock edges and corners in 4-8 feet of water	Brush piles near spawning flats in 6-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and dock posts positioned along creek channels in 15-20 foot depths	Main lake points near deep water access where channels intersect
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points in 20-30 feet of water	Floating docks with deep water access
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water (25-35ft)	Riprap areas and bridge pilings
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deep points and channel edges in 20-30 foot range where cooler water is accessible	Deeper weed edges where they transition to hard bottom
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks with deep water access, especially those with brush or vegetation nearby	Weed edges and pockets in 4-12 feet of water
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles positioned along creek channel edges	Suspended cover near deeper dock edges in 15-25 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those that can be skipped under	Laydowns and woody cover near shoreline
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep brush piles and offshore structure in 20-30 foot range	Wind-blown docks with nearby access to deeper water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 15-25 foot depths	Hard bottom areas adjacent to deep water sanctuaries
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near points and coves	Deeper dock areas with good sun exposure
Fall	Crappie	Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles	Deep dock edges near channel swings
Winter	Largemouth Bass	River channels in 25-35 foot depth range	Bridge pilings with nearby deep water access
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Creek channels with suspended bait schools, particularly in the cleaner Linville arm of the lake	Main lake points where baitfish schools are congregating
Winter	Yellow Perch	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near channel swings	Deep water sanctuary areas in 20-30 foot range adjacent to structural elements
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep brush piles near main lake points and channel breaks	Deeper dock areas in protected coves
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles near creek channel intersections (18-25 feet)	Deeper dock structures adjacent to creek channels (15-20 feet)

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing success	Minnows - confirmed as active forage in fishing reports
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad, which multiple recent reports indicate as primary forage	Yellow Perch, particularly juvenile specimens as noted in recent catches
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shad schools in deeper staging areas	Small invertebrates near bottom structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters	Small crustaceans around dock structures and vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad suspended in the mid-water column	Small bluegill around brush and dock structure
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent fishing reports	Bluegill - common spawning area competitors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish active in rocky areas	Shad moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small invertebrates in shallow zones
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and small aquatic larvae	Small crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small sunfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points	Shad suspended around deeper structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in brush areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shad	Small minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Young-of-year shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in the same depth range as crappie	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around shallow brush
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage in deeper water	Bluegill - concentrated around shallow cover and beds
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage showing in surface feeding activity	Shad - consistently present in deeper water and around structure
Summer	Yellow Perch	Shad schools in deeper water	Small invertebrates near weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small minnows and shad fry
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in the same depth ranges as crappie	Small bluegill relating to brush piles
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Crawfish (evidenced by success of jigs and creature baits)
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad in large schools	Blueback Herring in offshore areas
Fall	Yellow Perch	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points	Small yellow perch
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows and shad	Aquatic insects
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Small bluegill around brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Blueback Herring (noted in lake profile as primary forage)
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Threadfin Shad schooling in winter patterns	General baitfish schools concentrated in deeper water
Winter	Yellow Perch	Shad schools concentrated in winter locations	Small perch (cannibalistic feeding)
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Dormant micro invertebrates
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish relating to brush piles

Bait Colors by Season for Lake James

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors