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River guide · Virginia

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.

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When to fish

May–October for smallmouth bass

Best months: May–October

  • Best
  • Off-peak

Damselflies and dragonflies: summer. Cicadas: periodical emergence, summer.

Today's conditions

Where to fish

Along the James River

The 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.

The water

Freestone

Key hatches

  • Damselflies and dragonflies
  • Cicadas
  • Caddis
  • Terrestrials
  • Various mayflies
Hatch calendar

Conditions

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6-day forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service ↗

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)

Fly shops near the James River

Shops and guides that fish the James River. See all 21 Virginia shops →

5 fly shops shownJames River

Species on this water

TroutBassMuskyRedfishSalmonStriper

Nearby towns

ForestGlen WiltonRoanoke

Rivers nearby

Smith RiverSouth Holston RiverWatauga RiverPenns Creek
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 on the James River

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

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The flies that work on the James River

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