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 6/4/25

Today Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Thursday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Light and variable wind. Friday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Monday Night A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/4/25

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

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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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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: