James River

James River Fishing
The Details

James River (Upper and Middle)

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.

Overall, the James River offers an excellent fishing opportunity for whatever you might want. 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. Virginia Fishing License(s) are required.

James River (Wildlife Management Area)

The area fronts one of the better stretches of the James River for fishing. Anglers land smallmouth bass, various sunfishes and channel catfish. 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. For fishermen, a number of trout stocked streams are nearby, west of the management area in Nelson County. A boat launching ramp provides year-round access to the James River.

The area is located approximately 15 miles south-east 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.

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.

James River State Park

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. Specific licenses are required for saltwater and trout-water fishing. Please call the park in advance for specifics.

James River State Park | Virginia State Parks
751 Park Road, Gladstone, VA 24553
434-933-4355
800-933-PARK
Camping, Cabins, Boat Access, Hiking Trails, Fishing

See More Fishing Options