Best Fishing Trips in the James River Watershed

The James River and its tributaries offer world-class fishing opportunities. With spring comes the promise of a season of fishing adventures. Here’s a list of some great fishing trips:  

Lower James:

1. Hickory shad, Richmond from Ancarrow’s boat landing to the Falls of the James (March-May) >>
2. Largemouth bass, Chickahominy River and its tidal creeks (Spring-Fall) >>
3. Croaker, Lower James from the Ghost Fleet to the James River Bridge (Summer) >>
4. Rockfish (Striped Bass), Lower James near any structure (Spring and Fall) >>
5. Blue catfish, Lower James between Hopewell and Richmond (Winter-Spring for day fishing) >>
   

Upper James:

1. Smallmouth bass, Middle James from Scottsville to Bremo Bluff (Spring-Fall) >>
2. Brook Trout, headwater tributaries in the Blue Ridge and Alleghenies (Spring and Fall) >>
3. Flathead Catfish, Middle James between Lynchburg and Richmond (Spring-Summer) >>
4. Rainbow Trout, Jackson River below Gathright Dam (Spring) >>
5. Musky, Upper James above Lynchburg (Fall, also year-round) >>