James River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Orvis's Tip of the Week

Pre-Spawn smallmouth action has been heating up. Big swim flies and crayfish fished on sinking lines has been productive. Gamechangers, decievers, D & D's are worth tying on right now.

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Map of James River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 4/8/24

This Afternoon Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 3pm and 5pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight A chance of sprinkles with scattered showers before 7pm, then a chance of sprinkles between 7pm and 10pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 64. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Monday A chance of showers between 8am and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Wednesday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/8/24

Work your sinking lines and larger flies through the deep holes below riffles.

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: