James River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Orvis's Tip of the Week

Good smallmouth bass bite going on right now for pre-spawn. 250 or 300 grain sinking lines will help get those swim flies down where the fish are hanging.

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Map of James River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 4/16/25

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Thursday Patchy frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 70. Light southwest wind. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Light south wind. Friday Sunny, with a high near 79. Light south wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Monday A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Wednesday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/16/25

Focus on the deeper slow parts of the river. Fish are holed up feeding before the spawn. Be patient when you are in some fishy looking water and fish it thoroughly. Be sure to fish those flies nice and slow and stall them out during the retrieve.

Local Species Available

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    Musky

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    Smallmouth Bass

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    Carp

Orvis's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Sneaky Pete Popper Olive 4
Josh's Wiggle Hellgrammite Black 1
Classic Frog
Clouser Minnow Chartreuse/White 1/0
Finesse Gamechanger White 2
Dahlburg Diver Frog Green 1
Claw dad Brown 2
Todd's Wiggle Minnow White 2

Sneaky Pete Popper

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Item #0762

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Orvis's Recommended Gear

Description: About James River

Ranked as one of the top Smallmouth Rivers on the east coast, the middle/upper James also gives the angler a chance at spotted and largemouth bass. The area above Lynchburg will see the opportunity for Musky. The James is broken up by its numerous rock gardens, grass beds and riffles. Then where the river drops you will encounter up to class 3 rapids. The James is a year round fishery with the best fishing being May through October. Baitfish and crayfish are the smallmouth’s main sources of protein. The summer months see the fish feeding on damsels, dragon flies and cicadas. The summer flows also offer the best and safest wading opportunities. The James is managed as a trophy Smallmouth fishery (all smallmouth 14 to 22 inches must be released), Smallmouth up to five pounds is common, but the average size James River Smallmouth is 14-15 inches. Rich in American history the James is often referred to as “America’s River”. Along its banks you’ll notice the rail road tracts which are laid on the tow path of the Kanawha Canal. One of if not the last poled ferry’s is at Hatton just up river of Scottsville.

Nearest Airport:

Roanoke Regional Airport

Hatches:

Shiners Crayfish Hellgrammites Dragonflies Damselflies

Best Time to Fish:

Morning to late afternoon

Best Stretch:

Buchanan to Lynchburg

Best Access: