Taylor Pit in James City County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Taylor Pit lies within the bounds of James City County, Virginia. Country round the bank runs to pine and hardwood. It covers about 9 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is a small entry by James City County standards. West Point lies 9.5 miles from the water. Newport News sits 36 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Taylor Pit

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Reported across James City County: white perch, blue catfish, bluegill and pumpkinseed. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Fish Taylor Pit where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 38°F to 78°F. Warm months push fish deep; cool months bring them back. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. It sets the rhythm of the year at Taylor Pit. Barometric swings often matter more than the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. The nearest alternative is Nice Lake, 1.9 miles out. Confirm access to Taylor Pit locally before you travel.