James River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Orvis's Tip of the Week

Plan your day around those bite windows in relation to the major and minor moon phases for the day. Be patient and stick with it.

Directions open in app

Map of James River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 1/25/24

This Afternoon Showers likely, mainly after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 66. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight Showers before 7pm, then rain likely between 7pm and 8pm, then showers likely after 8pm. Areas of fog before 8pm. Low around 58. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Friday A chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday A chance of showers, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Night Showers. Low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Sunday A chance of showers before 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Sunday Night A chance of rain before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/25/24

Work your sinking lines and large flies through the deep holes below riffles. Don't be afraid to switch up flies until you find something that is getting attention.

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:

Buchanan to Snowden

Best Access: