James River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Orvis's Tip of the Week

Smallmouth fishing has been good. Looks like some of the guides are still getting some action with musky as well. Big swim flies and crayfish fished on sinking lines has been productive. Gamechangers, decievers, D & D's are worth tying on right now.

Directions open in app

Map of James River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 5/2/24

This Afternoon Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 5 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Friday Increasing clouds and hot, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Sunday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Monday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tuesday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tuesday Night A chance of thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Wednesday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/2/24

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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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: