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James River Overview
The mighty James River flows from the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson
Rivers across the state to the Chesapeake Bay. Excellent fishing exists throughout
the river. Upstream of the fall line in Richmond (Upper James), smallmouth bass
are the predominant gamefish species; however, largemouth bass, channel
catfish, a variety of sunfish species, and even musky are available. The tidal
section of the river (Lower James) below the fall line provides excellent freshwater
fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Nearer the Bay saltwater
species such as spot, croaker, flounder, and trout are plentiful.
Rivers across the state to the Chesapeake Bay. Excellent fishing exists throughout
the river. Upstream of the fall line in Richmond (Upper James), smallmouth bass
are the predominant gamefish species; however, largemouth bass, channel
catfish, a variety of sunfish species, and even musky are available. The tidal
section of the river (Lower James) below the fall line provides excellent freshwater
fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Nearer the Bay saltwater
species such as spot, croaker, flounder, and trout are plentiful.
Upper James River Fishing Report
Although bank and wade fishing opportunities exist along the Upper James, float
fishing in a canoe or other small boat is the preferred way to fish this section of
the river. The VDGIF web site provides maps and access points. Float trips from
a few hours to a few days are available. To visit the VDGIF site, click here. Bruce
Ingram's book Fishing the James River is the authoritative work on the James
and is a must-have for James River anglers. It is quite affordable and available
on this page and on our Products page.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass can be caught year round throughout the
river. In cold water, try small jigs (1/8 oz - 3/8 oz) in natural colors - hair jigs, tube
baits, and jig & pig combinations can all work. Suspending jerkbaits, stickbaits,
and Senkos are also excellent choices. Focus on slow-moving water and the
deeper pools. If the bite is slow, downsize baits and slow down the retrieve.
Larger fish are often caught in cool water conditions whereas summer produces
increased numbers of fish. In warm water, grubs and jigs remain good choices,
but add small (1/4 oz) spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and crankbaits to your arsenal as
well. Artificial helgrammites are another good choice. Of course, live bait
(minnows, crawfish, and helgrammites) will always do the trick.
fishing in a canoe or other small boat is the preferred way to fish this section of
the river. The VDGIF web site provides maps and access points. Float trips from
a few hours to a few days are available. To visit the VDGIF site, click here. Bruce
Ingram's book Fishing the James River is the authoritative work on the James
and is a must-have for James River anglers. It is quite affordable and available
on this page and on our Products page.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass can be caught year round throughout the
river. In cold water, try small jigs (1/8 oz - 3/8 oz) in natural colors - hair jigs, tube
baits, and jig & pig combinations can all work. Suspending jerkbaits, stickbaits,
and Senkos are also excellent choices. Focus on slow-moving water and the
deeper pools. If the bite is slow, downsize baits and slow down the retrieve.
Larger fish are often caught in cool water conditions whereas summer produces
increased numbers of fish. In warm water, grubs and jigs remain good choices,
but add small (1/4 oz) spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and crankbaits to your arsenal as
well. Artificial helgrammites are another good choice. Of course, live bait
(minnows, crawfish, and helgrammites) will always do the trick.
Virginia Outdoors - A Resource for Virginia Anglers and Hunters
Virginia Outdoors - James River (Upper)
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Fishing the Upper James River
James River Fishing Guides
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October 29, 2009 Rob England of Appalachian Bronzeback Adventures (www.
appbronzebackadv.com) reports:
The water temperatures have cooled down to the lower 50's and the bite has
slowed, however the big fish are feeding in preparation for winter. The big fish are
going for a very slow presentation of tubes, finesse worms or my favorite 1/4 oz
hair jig and crawfish trailer. The fish are beginning to stage in deep slow pools as
their metabolism slow downs down and attempts to avoid current and fast water.
The key to landing big fish is to make sure to utilize a bait heavy enough to get to
the bottom to probe to the deep holes.
Patience is important with a slow presentation and at times the bite will be very
hard to detect. Watching line movement is very important to detect a bite as the
line may begin to move without ever feeling the bite.
March 8, 2010 LE Rhodes of Hatchmatcher Guide Service provided the following
fishing report for the Upper/Middle James River:
Height/ feet- 6 Scottsville 4.6Bent Creek 6.3 Holcomb Rock
CFS- 6280 Scottsville 6760 Bent Creek 6350 Holcomb Rock
Temperature/Vis- 39 degrees 55 inches Vis
Ahh-finally a warming spell. The rivers are in great shape for floating. Although the
water temps are still in the upper 30’s they are warming up by mid afternoon. Fly
anglers should go with a sink tip line and heavy weighted crayfish patterns. Spin
anglers should pick up a fish or two using Pig-n-Jigs or buck tails. Watch the
water temp and if it climbs into the 40’s try slow rolling a crank bait. The Scottsville
ramp is still mud covered so take caution loading or unloading your boat –its
slick! Looks like a chance of rain later in the week but it should be a warm rain.
Spring is almost here.
appbronzebackadv.com) reports:
The water temperatures have cooled down to the lower 50's and the bite has
slowed, however the big fish are feeding in preparation for winter. The big fish are
going for a very slow presentation of tubes, finesse worms or my favorite 1/4 oz
hair jig and crawfish trailer. The fish are beginning to stage in deep slow pools as
their metabolism slow downs down and attempts to avoid current and fast water.
The key to landing big fish is to make sure to utilize a bait heavy enough to get to
the bottom to probe to the deep holes.
Patience is important with a slow presentation and at times the bite will be very
hard to detect. Watching line movement is very important to detect a bite as the
line may begin to move without ever feeling the bite.
March 8, 2010 LE Rhodes of Hatchmatcher Guide Service provided the following
fishing report for the Upper/Middle James River:
Height/ feet- 6 Scottsville 4.6Bent Creek 6.3 Holcomb Rock
CFS- 6280 Scottsville 6760 Bent Creek 6350 Holcomb Rock
Temperature/Vis- 39 degrees 55 inches Vis
Ahh-finally a warming spell. The rivers are in great shape for floating. Although the
water temps are still in the upper 30’s they are warming up by mid afternoon. Fly
anglers should go with a sink tip line and heavy weighted crayfish patterns. Spin
anglers should pick up a fish or two using Pig-n-Jigs or buck tails. Watch the
water temp and if it climbs into the 40’s try slow rolling a crank bait. The Scottsville
ramp is still mud covered so take caution loading or unloading your boat –its
slick! Looks like a chance of rain later in the week but it should be a warm rain.
Spring is almost here.
Canoe the New client James T. with a
nice SeptemberJames River smallmouth!
nice SeptemberJames River smallmouth!
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