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 3/26/25

Today Sunny, with a high near 57. Light west wind becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Saturday Night A chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Sunday Night A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Monday NightA chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/26/25

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: