James River Questions

[BackCastingGolfer]

I am not new to the area, but I have ignored the James River...not sure why. I am mostly an avid trout fly fisherman and don't bass fish much. But this winter I have been bitten by the bass bug, particularly smallmouth and have been tying flies like mad for the past month. My main question is where are the best places to get in at? I don't have watercraft or anything, I am getting a tube soon, but it's just going to be wading for awhile. Any help would be appreciated...cabin fever is driving me mad, can't wait for warmer temps!

[RSBreth]

I don't have watercraft or anything, I am getting a tube soon, but it's just going to be wading for awhile.

That doesn't have to be the case - there are canoe rentals on the lower James that can hook you up - float through the faster water and get out to fish the riffles.

There's some other wading Smallmouth water close by too, just depends on how far you want to drive. I'll probably send you a P.M. about that tomorrow - Smallmouths on fly gear is just about my favorite fishing.

[Flysmallie]

There's plenty of wading water on the James. Shelvin and Kerr are good places for wading. Several spots around Galena.

But like RS says, there's plenty of other water around too.

[duckydoty]

^{I would recommend trying the white bass on the James in late March and early April around B;unks Hole. Lots of wading areas there.}

[BackCastingGolfer]

That doesn't have to be the case - there are canoe rentals on the lower James that can hook you up - float through the faster water and get out to fish the riffles.

There's some other wading Smallmouth water close by too, just depends on how far you want to drive. I'll probably send you a P.M. about that tomorrow - Smallmouths on fly gear is just about my favorite fishing.

I'd be willing to drive anywhere from 30 min to an hour.

[RSBreth]

30 minutes doesn't do much - but an hour can get you to some cool spots. P.M. sent.

[Arofishing]

I fish off 125 brige east of town quite a bit. That is my go to spot. I also fish off of Division St., but there isn't really any parking, so I usually do it with my bike.

In other related questions, where do all the fish go in the winter? My last 3 or so trips to my usual spots have been a complete bust. I heard from one source that the fish congregate in underwater caves and springs during the winter. I was also wondering if they migrate down to Lake Springfield or to deeper pools on the lower section? I've also heard they are still there and that I have to do a better job of putting the fly right in front of their face. Anyone know?

[BackCastingGolfer]

I fish off 125 brige east of town quite a bit. That is my go to spot. I also fish off of Division St., but there isn't really any parking, so I usually do it with my bike.

In other related questions, where do all the fish go in the winter? My last 3 or so trips to my usual spots have been a complete bust. I heard from one source that the fish congregate in underwater caves and springs during the winter. I was also wondering if they migrate down to Lake Springfield or to deeper pools on the lower section? I've also heard they are still there and that I have to do a better job of putting the fly right in front of their face. Anyone know?

Where off Division?

[Arofishing]

Division eventually runs into the James, just follow it and never get off it. I haven't had a ton of success there, but I did catch a nice smallmouth downstream once (there is a video of it on here somehwere, taken this summer).

[BackCastingGolfer]

In other news I am getting a kayak next week, should have it outfitted and ready to go by march!