Smallmouth Bass Fishing Baits Some of the most productive lures for stream smallmouth fishing are 1/4-ounce spinnerbaits and buzz baits. Soft plastic lures, such as spider-style plastic grubs (rigged on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigheads), tube baits, jerk baits and 6-inch plastic worms are also popular.
What’s the best bait to use in the James River?
Although frozen bait can be used, fresh-caught gizzard shad or eels are generally best. During summer most large blue cats are caught at night, other times of the year they are caught anytime – day or night.
What lures for the James River?
For the shad, throw tiny gold and silver spoons; for the white perch throw tiny (16th-ounce) white and chartreuse grubs; and use big white grubs and big topwaters for stripers (up to five pounds). For the jumbo stripers (up to 30 pounds) use fresh cut shad.
What fish are biting in the James River?
Fishing is good for bluegill, and other species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, and channel catfish may be caught as well. The river is deep enough to use a prop motor downstream of the ramp but rocks limit safely taking a prop boat upstream of the boat ramp.
How do you catch bass on the James River?
How do you catch bait on the James River?
Has there ever been a shark in the James River?
(WTVR)—Two bull sharks were caught in the Potomac River, and it wouldn’t be the first time a shark was caught in a Virginia river. He is a fixture along the banks of the James River, and “Catfish TC”, as he is known, is quite content on solid ground, thank you very much.
How deep is the James River?
The James River provides depths of 25 feet to the Richmond Deepwater Terminal and in the Terminal Turning Basin; 18 feet to and in the Richmond Harbor Turning Basin; 18 feet to the Lock at Richmond.
How do you fish smallmouth bass?
A football jig is a tried and true bait for catching smallmouth. Pair the jigs rubber skit with a crawfish plastic trailer or grub to provide lifelike action. Drag the jig around boulders and other rock areas that are holding fish. Another productive bait for smallmouth bass fishing is a tube or a grub on its own.
Are there sturgeon in the James River?
Atlantic sturgeon are an anadromous fish species meaning they spend their adult lives in the ocean and return to the rivers in which they were born to spawn. Atlantic sturgeon can be found on the James River, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Falls of the James, during their spring and fall migrations.
What is the best bait for croaker?
- Bloodworms.
- Squid strips.
- Peeler crab.
- Soft crab.
What is biting at the James River Fishing Pier?
James River: Wilcox Bait and Tackle says the croaker bite has begun. Striped bass are in the river and can be found around lit structures at night. Puppy drum and some gray and speckled trout are also being caught. Catfish action remains strong upriver.
What is the best time to fish for catfish?
Late March, April, and early May are some of the best blue catfish fishing of the year for numbers of fish and also offers excellent opportunities for trophy class catfish as well. Channel catfish action is typically excellent and very consistent also.
Are there eels in the James River?
Forest Service research charts an amazing journey. “Eel wrangler” holding American eel found in recent survey of James River in Virginia.
Are there shrimp in the James River?
The shrimp found at the Environmental Research Center was one of three found to date in the Chesapeake Bay; two others were discovered in the James River. Ballast water from large ocean going cargo ships is believed to be the leading means by which these shrimp are being introduced to other waters around world.
How do you fish for smallmouth bass in a river?
Jerkbaits, spinner baits and buzz baits can all be used for smallmouth fishing. The lightest weight plastics like a Texas Rig or jig head need just enough weight to make bottom contact and then walk it down the shoal. You can use a variety of baits to catch smallmouth in small rivers; it’s all about the presentation.
Where is the best place to catfish on the James River?
Some of Jones’ favorite catfish lairs are the 295-bridge area on the main stem of the river, Deep Bottom, Hopewell and the Benjamin Harrison Bridge area. The Hopewell area and the Benjamin Harrison Bridge are located near the mouth of the Appomattox River, which is the home of the former state-record blue cat.
How do you catch catfish in the James River?
Is the James River freshwater or saltwater?
The bay is an estuary, an area where fresh water flowing from land meets salt water from the sea. Scientists consider the bay to consist of its main part near the coast as well as its tidal tributaries, so that would include the James up to Richmond. The James’ water remains fresh until just below Hopewell.
Is the James River OK to swim in?
While the James is not always crystal clear, it’s still safe for recreation, most of the time. In the last six years, about 85 percent of water quality samples have shown the James is safe for recreation. The other 15 percent showed high levels of bacteria, especially after it rained.
Are there dolphins in the James River?
Dolphins, it seems, are not really uncommon in the Chesapeake Bay, and this one found its way up into the James River. While the James flows through Richmond as freshwater, it quickly turns brackish as it enters the tidal James just below the city.
Is the James River still contaminated?
“The 2021 State of the James report shows that the river remains a river at risk,” Street said. “The decreased scores in pollution reductions occurred despite increased investments by Virginia and clean water programs.”
Is the James River stocked with trout?
Fishing regulations on the Upper James. Adjacent to the James River are several stocked trout streams in some of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s most scenic settings. Three-year classes of trout have been established in the Roaring Run stream and fish up to 16 inches in size are available for anglers.
What bait is best for smallmouth bass?
- Blade Baits. Fishing blade baits for smallmouth is an excellent cold water technique, but can also be very effective during the warmer months too.
- Small Soft Plastics.
- Jigs.
- Jerkbaits.
- Crankbaits and Spinnerbaits.
- Topwater Lures.
What is the best time to catch smallmouth bass?
Smallmouth fishing is generally better in the early spring than largemouth fishing might be, since smallmouths tend to be more active in cold water. Begin looking for them when the water temperature is in the mid-40s. Fish the first deep water associated with a large gravel or mud flat.