James River Fly Fishing
The James River is home to some of the most exciting smallmouth bass fly fishing in Virginia. Long, tree lined banks, rocky shoals, and remote stretches create the perfect habitat for strong, aggressive fish that keep anglers fully engaged throughout the day. At Blue Ridge Fishing Adventures, we guide instruction centered float trips on carefully chosen sections of the James where water levels, clarity, and seasonal behavior come together to produce memorable days on the water.
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If you want a river that feels wild, scenic, and packed with opportunity, the James River delivers.
What Makes the James River Special
The upper James begins where the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers meet, flowing out of the Allegheny Mountains and into the Blue Ridge. The terrain is rugged, the scenery is beautiful, and the river still holds visible signs of Virginia’s early river commerce. Old locks, pulley systems, and stone remnants line certain banks, giving anglers a sense of history as they cast.
Smallmouth are the main attraction, but the James also holds largemouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, fallfish, and musky. This blend of species, combined with the river’s structure, makes the James one of the most rewarding warm water fisheries in the region. For experienced anglers looking for a challenge, advanced musky fishing becomes an option in the colder months.
Why Fish the James River With Us
​Our guides spend a significant amount of time on the James and have dialed in the tactics, flies, and holding water across multiple stretches. We design each day around your skill level, the season, and the conditions so you always have the right approach for the moment.
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Instruction centered guiding
Simple, supportive teaching from guides who enjoy helping anglers improve.
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Local expertise
Knowledge of flows, turbidity, seasonal movements, and the specific stretches that fish best at different times of year.
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Float trips only
We cover long, productive miles of river by boat, giving you access to remote water and consistent casting opportunities.​
Season by Season on the James River
March through May: Prespawn Action
Early spring through late spring brings some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Before the spawn, smallmouth feed aggressively to capture as many calories as possible. We throw large streamers on sinking lines and use 8 weight rods to target fish in the 20+ inch class. These fish are powerful, thick, and focused on feeding. River spawning conditions are unpredictable, so smallmouth need to pack on energy before the real work begins. This is a prime season for anglers who want to target trophy fish.
June through October: Topwater Action
Once the water warms and levels drop, topwater season takes over. Long leaders and surface flies draw explosive eats as they drift through deep pools, shaded banks, and undercut structure. This is the time of year that tests an angler’s patience, control, and nerves. You must be able to keep the fly moving naturally and stay calm during the strike. Rods, reels, and lines lighten up for a more delicate approach, creating some of the most fun and engaging smallmouth fishing on the James.
October through March: Musky Season
When the temperatures drop and smallmouth activity slows, musky become the focus. We bring out 121 weight rods, oversized flies, and a mindset built around patience and persistence to target “the fish of ten thousand cast”. Fly fishing for musky is intense and demanding, often best suited for experienced anglers. The reward is the possibility of seeing one of thesea truly huge fish flash on your fly or connect with a hookset that stays with you forever.
Ready to Fish the James River?
​If you want a river known for healthy smallmouth, scenic mountain stretches, seasonal musky, and a fly fishing experience that feels remote and rewarding, the James River is the place to be. With a knowledgeable, instruction focused guide, the experience becomes even more enjoyable.
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Book a trip today and let Blue Ridge Fishing Adventures show you the best of the James River.