James River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Orvis's Tip of the Week

Fish are going to start spreading out into their summer ranges. Be sure to cover all the various habitat types, including riffles, deeper pools, and structure along the bank.

Directions open in app

Map of James River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 7/3/25

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 91. Light northwest wind. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Independence DaySunny and hot, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Light northeast wind. SaturdaySunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 66. SundaySunny and hot, with a high near 91. Sunday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 70. MondayMostly sunny and hot, with a high near 92. Monday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 72. TuesdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tuesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%. WednesdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50%

Techniques & Tips as of 7/3/25

Topwater season is moving along nicely. Now is the time of year to break out those floating and intermediate lines. This is a great time of year to hit the banks with frog patterns.

Local Species Available

  • Fish Icon

    Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth Bass

  • Fish Icon

    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

Image Not Found

Item #0762

Buy Now

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:

Narrow Passage to Lynchburg

Best Access: