Best Fishing Lakes: Flannagan, South Holston, Gaston (especially below Kerr Dam), Leesville, Philpott, Chesdin, Anna, Whitehurst, Orange, Hungry Mother, Burke, and Brittle. Rivers: New, Staunton/Roanoke, South Holston, Clinch, Dan.
Are there largemouth bass in the James River?
From the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers in Botetourt County, downstream to Richmond, the James River offers a wide range of angling opportunities and settings. Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught.
How do you catch bass on the James River?
Is the James River good for fishing?
Catfish (Blue) The tidal James River provides the best fishing for blue catfish in the state, and recently anglers from around the country have begun to travel to Virginia to fish for the abundant large blue catfish found here.
What fish are biting in the James River now?
Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and large mouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass).
What is the biggest fish in the James River?
The biggest Channel Catfish caught measured 31 inches long and weighed just over 13.5 pounds, while the biggest Flathead Catfish measured 44.5 inches and weighed 47.8 pounds. The length-frequency histograms show the number of each species collected by inch group (Figure 1).
Are there walleye in the James River in Virginia?
Spring is a great time on the James River to specifically target walleye, as the various species of rough fish that also call the river home do not become as active until later when the water temperatures rise. Early in the spring while chunks of ice are still floating with the current is when the walleye bite begins.
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.
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 fish are running in the James River?
While the Smallmouth bass is the dominant game species in the river, spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flat head catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass).
Do you need a fishing license to fish the James River?
One of Virginia’s newest state parks, James River State Park has 1,500 acres with three ponds for fishing: Branch Pond, Green Hill Pond and Taylor Pond in addition to freshwater fishing on the James River. Where fishing is permitted, valid Virginia fishing licenses are required.
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.
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 fish are being caught from the James River pier?
Pier Anglers catch croaker, spot, flounder, trout and striped bass.
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.
What is the biggest bass ever caught in Virginia?
Of all Virginia fishing records, the most coveted is held by Richard Tate. It may also be the most likely to fall. Tate was fishing on Lake Conner, near South Boston, in 1985 when he boated a 16 1/4-pound largemouth bass. Ten years later it still stands as the largest ever caught in Virginia.
What is the biggest fish caught in VA?
There is a new fishing record in Virginia. Jason Emmel, of Louisa, Virginia, broke the state record catching a 66-pound, 5-ounce blue catfish with a bow and arrow, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The fish – which Emmel caught in the Pamunkey River on Monday – was 3 feet, 6 inches long.
How do you fish the James River?
The go-to method for catching them is to swim a live bait (small bluegill work well) in deep holes. The big predators in the Downstream James are mainly blue catfish. The current record – set in 2009 – is 102 pounds, and several fish over 50 pounds are caught every week throughout the year.
How do you catch walleye in Virginia?
Top lures for walleye in Virginia. Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye.
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.”
What animals live in the James River?
Raccoon, muskrat, river otter, deer, heron, Canada geese, chipmunk, groundhog, and Red fox were all caught on video at this site.
Can you eat sturgeon?
Sturgeon has a refined flavor and consistency. That charm is why eating it raw is the best way to eat it. You can enjoy the charm of the fish meat by eating it as sashimi, sushi and marinading it. Even when boiled, you can enjoy the tender texture of sturgeon.