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Some nice James River Smallmouth caught
by Bronze Back Guide Service clients.
(Click to enlarge)
by Bronze Back Guide Service clients.
(Click to enlarge)
James River Overview
The mighty James River flows from the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson
Rivers across the state to the Chesapeake Bay. Excellent fishing exists throughout
the river. Upstream of the fall line in Richmond (Upper James), smallmouth bass
are the predominant gamefish species; however, largemouth bass, channel
catfish, a variety of sunfish species, and even musky are available. The tidal
section of the river (Lower James) below the fall line provides excellent freshwater
fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Nearer the Bay saltwater
species such as spot, croaker, flounder, and trout are plentiful.
Rivers across the state to the Chesapeake Bay. Excellent fishing exists throughout
the river. Upstream of the fall line in Richmond (Upper James), smallmouth bass
are the predominant gamefish species; however, largemouth bass, channel
catfish, a variety of sunfish species, and even musky are available. The tidal
section of the river (Lower James) below the fall line provides excellent freshwater
fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Nearer the Bay saltwater
species such as spot, croaker, flounder, and trout are plentiful.
Upper James River Fishing Report
Although bank and wade fishing opportunities exist along the Upper James, float
fishing in a canoe or other small boat is the preferred way to fish this section of
the river. The VDGIF web site provides maps and access points. Float trips from
a few hours to a few days are available. To visit the VDGIF site, click here. Bruce
Ingram's book Fishing the James River is the authoritative work on the James
and is a must-have for James River anglers. It is quite affordable and available
on this page and on our Products page.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass can be caught year round throughout the
river. In cold water, try small jigs (1/8 oz - 3/8 oz) in natural colors - hair jigs, tube
baits, and jig & pig combinations can all work. Suspending jerkbaits, stickbaits,
and Senkos are also excellent choices. Focus on slow-moving water and the
deeper pools. If the bite is slow, downsize baits and slow down the retrieve.
Larger fish are often caught in cool water conditions whereas summer produces
increased numbers of fish. In warm water, grubs and jigs remain good choices,
but add small (1/4 oz) spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and crankbaits to your arsenal as
well. Artificial helgrammites are another good choice. Of course, live bait
(minnows, crawfish, and helgrammites) will always do the trick.
fishing in a canoe or other small boat is the preferred way to fish this section of
the river. The VDGIF web site provides maps and access points. Float trips from
a few hours to a few days are available. To visit the VDGIF site, click here. Bruce
Ingram's book Fishing the James River is the authoritative work on the James
and is a must-have for James River anglers. It is quite affordable and available
on this page and on our Products page.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass can be caught year round throughout the
river. In cold water, try small jigs (1/8 oz - 3/8 oz) in natural colors - hair jigs, tube
baits, and jig & pig combinations can all work. Suspending jerkbaits, stickbaits,
and Senkos are also excellent choices. Focus on slow-moving water and the
deeper pools. If the bite is slow, downsize baits and slow down the retrieve.
Larger fish are often caught in cool water conditions whereas summer produces
increased numbers of fish. In warm water, grubs and jigs remain good choices,
but add small (1/4 oz) spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and crankbaits to your arsenal as
well. Artificial helgrammites are another good choice. Of course, live bait
(minnows, crawfish, and helgrammites) will always do the trick.
Virginia Outdoors - A Resource for Virginia Anglers and Hunters
Virginia Outdoors - James River (Upper)
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Fishing the Upper James River
James River Fishing Guides
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June 1, 2008:
Rob England of Appalachain Bronzeback Adventures reports: Fished the Maury
River on 5/29 and caught 60+ smallmouth on wacky rigged , weightless senkos
and 5" finess worms with an 1/8 oz spot remover hook. The best color is green
pumpkin as it is a natural color that works very well in clear water. The water is
very clear on the Maury currently and long casts are key. Caught several fish
between 16" and 19" and one 20" smallie.
Fished the James River on 5/30 and caught 80+ smallmouth on wacky rigged,
weightless senkos, and 3 3/4" gitzit tubes with an 1/8oz slider - weighted hook.
This rig is a great rig to keep from getting snagged on the deep ledges. Like the
Maury, the James is very clear right now and long casts are a must and the same
green pumpkin colors are best. Caught several good fish between 18" and 20".
We had a 25lb musky on that attacked a 15" hooked smallmouth. Almost had it to
the net when the musky let go of the smallie. Needless to say, the smallie didn't
make it...the musky nearly severed the fish in half!
Rob England of Appalachain Bronzeback Adventures reports: Fished the Maury
River on 5/29 and caught 60+ smallmouth on wacky rigged , weightless senkos
and 5" finess worms with an 1/8 oz spot remover hook. The best color is green
pumpkin as it is a natural color that works very well in clear water. The water is
very clear on the Maury currently and long casts are key. Caught several fish
between 16" and 19" and one 20" smallie.
Fished the James River on 5/30 and caught 80+ smallmouth on wacky rigged,
weightless senkos, and 3 3/4" gitzit tubes with an 1/8oz slider - weighted hook.
This rig is a great rig to keep from getting snagged on the deep ledges. Like the
Maury, the James is very clear right now and long casts are a must and the same
green pumpkin colors are best. Caught several good fish between 18" and 20".
We had a 25lb musky on that attacked a 15" hooked smallmouth. Almost had it to
the net when the musky let go of the smallie. Needless to say, the smallie didn't
make it...the musky nearly severed the fish in half!
Canoe the New client James T. with a
nice SeptemberJames River smallmouth!
nice SeptemberJames River smallmouth!
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