Fishing the James River
Fishing the James River means chasing smallmouth bass, flathead and channel catfish, and panfish from Botetourt County through Nelson's border, with both mountain and Piedmont stretches producing year-round action. Midway Concrete Ramp (In James River WMA off Rt.
Route 626, Wingina, VA 24599
434-933-4355
Fish Species
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. Smallmouth bass fishing can be good throughout the river. Both the mountain sections (upstream from Lynchburg) and the piedmont sections (between Lynchburg and Richmond) generally provide good fishing.
Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass). Flathead catfish appear to be more numerous upstream from Lynchburg, and channel catfish are more numerous below Lynchburg.
Muskies are also annually stocked in the James. These fish are scarce, but some very large fish can be caught. Most of the muskies are found upstream from Lynchburg.
The area fronts one of the better stretches of the James River for fishing. Anglers land smallmouth bass, various sunfishes, and channel catfish.
River Access & Methods
Canoeing is the best way to access the river. Small boats (such as john boats) can also be used at most access points. Bank and wade fishing access is also available throughout the river.
This section of the river is popular for float fishing. A one-acre pond provides a variety of sunfish for those—perhaps with young anglers—not interested in fishing the river.
The ramp access makes the area an excellent put in or take out point for James River canoeists. A boat launching ramp provides year-round access to the James River.
For fishermen, a number of trout-stocked streams are nearby, west of the management area in Nelson County.
Location & Directions
The area is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Lovingston in the southeastern portion of Nelson County, near the community of Wingina.
Access is from State Route 56, between Lovingston and Buckingham Court House. On Route 626, travel easterly following road signs.
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.
James River State Park
751 Park Road, Gladstone, VA 24553
434-933-4355 | 800-933-PARK
Camping, Cabins, Boat Access, Hiking Trails, Fishing
Licenses & Permits
Virginia fishing licenses are required. Specific licenses are required for saltwater and trout-water fishing. Please call the park in advance for specifics.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources requires an Access Permit for visitors to department-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public fishing lakes (effective January 1, 2012) who are age 17 and older, unless they possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration.
More information: dcr.virginia.gov
