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Fly Fishing the James River

Virginia's largest river, the James cuts through Appalachian ridges and open farmland on its 340-mile run to the Chesapeake. The upper section near Glasgow is prime smallmouth water: long rocky shoals, wooded banks, and fish that will blaze after a Clouser or a well-placed hopper from late May straight through summer.

  • 5 shops nearby
  • freestone
  • May–October for smallmouth bass
  • Virginia
  • 5 key hatches
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The best time to fly fish the James River is May–October for smallmouth bass. Key hatches include Damselflies and dragonflies, Cicadas, Caddis, Terrestrials. 5 fly shops near the James River can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the James River

Shops and guides that fish the James River. See all 20 Virginia shops →

Angler's LaneWesley Hodges Fly FishingRoanoke AnglerSouth River Fly ShopKnot the Reel World Fly Fishing
5 fly shops shown

Species on this water

BassMuskyRedfishSalmonStriperTrout

Nearby towns

ForestGlen WiltonRoanoke

Rivers nearby

Smith RiverSouth Holston RiverWatauga RiverPenns Creek
Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the James River

River typefreestone
Best seasonMay–October for smallmouth bass; best dry-fly topwater action June–August; muskie season late October–March
AccessThe upper James near Glasgow and the Maury River confluence is floated via full-day drift trips of 6–8 miles. A canoe/kayak slide at river left provides a Maury River take-out just above the confluence. The Glasgow section has Class I–II water; the James River Gorge downstream at Balcony Falls reaches Class II–III. Public boat ramp access at Glasgow and surrounding Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources sites.
Key hatches
  • Damselflies and dragonflies (summer)
  • Cicadas (periodical emergence, summer)
  • Caddis (spring and fall)
  • Terrestrials — hoppers, ants, beetles (July–September)
  • Various mayflies (spring and fall)
From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the James River

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

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Gear up

Gear up on the James River

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

Shop the gear Flies that work

The flies that work on the James River

Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.

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Updated June 2026