James River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Orvis's Tip of the Week

Weather is starting to cool down this week! Musky fishing is going to start picking up as water temps continue to drop. The water levels are very low and clear right now. Try to be stealthy when possible and even lenghten those leaders for a better presentation.

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Map of James River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 10/29/24

Today Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/29/24

Break out the sinking lines! Getting your flies deep on a sinking line is going to be your best bet targeting big smallmouth and musky.

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 Snowden

Best Access: