Fishing the James River, Virginia, USA
Angling forSmallmouth Bass from Buchanon to Scottsville
Apr 11, 2009
The James River is 410 miles long, and it stretches from Virginia's western border, in the Allegheny Mountains, to the Chesapeake Bay. Smallmouth bass abound in the river west of the easternmost fall line in Richmond. But the best places to fish are further west, from Buchanon, west of Lynchburg, downstream, to just east of Scottsville.
Features of the James River
The river averages nearly two hundred feet in width throughout this stretch, though some of the slow water areas may be wider. Riffles and rapids are found throughout this section of the river, and deeper waters are generally located a few hundred feet below the rougher waters. Large smallmouth can be found right in the rapids, or just below them in the eddies, as well as along deep banks, or cruising along shallow, sandy shores.
In the upper sections of the James River (the western areas, upstream from Scottsville) the river is a little faster. Even in these western parts of the river, rain water drains into the the James, raising the water level, and muddying the water. But there are a number of smaller rivers that flow into the James in Nelson County, which are narrower and faster, and clear much faster than the James River after periods of substantial rainfall. The Tye River and Rockfish River are great alternatives when the James is high and muddy.
Floating the James
The best way to fish on the James River is to do float trips. With a canoe or raft, drift through a particular section, and make a day out of it. The James is a versatile river, and most sections of it include the various features of the river (such as the shallow, fast rapids, the sandy banks, and the deep, slow banks). An anchor is handy when fishing the James, as many anglers find that faster water can be the most productive when it comes to fishing, and without an anchor, boats drift through these areas too fast.
How to Catch the Bass
Smallmouth bass of all sizes may be found in the James River, as well as in the smaller Tye and Rockfish Rivers. Although most fish average around ten inches, five pounders, as well as still larger fish, often cruise the deeper banks. Smallmouth bass are very aggressive, and at times the best lures to use are ones that may be reeled quickly. In colder months, it is best to fish slow and deep, with bottom baits such as jigs. But when the water warms, any lure thrown in front of a hungry bass will usually be pursued and engulfed. Yamamoto Senkos, Zoom Finesse worms, flukes, tubes, and most types of jigs work well in the spring, summer, and fall. Sometimes weight is needed in deeper waters, but the lures may be fished without weight in the shallows. Natural colors, like browns, grays, and shades of olive usually work best, as bright colors such as chartreuse, pink, and white often seem to startle the fish.
The James River is easily accessible to the public, and it is certainly one of the best rivers to fish for smallmouth bass in the world. Fishing the James River is a rewarding experience that is not only for serious anglers, but also for anyone who loves the outdoors.
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