Gear & Tackle
James River (Richmond)

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James River (Richmond) Fishing Guide

Virginia

The James at Richmond, the fall-line stretch from Bosher's Dam down to the 14th Street Bridge, where smallmouth bass are the most common game species.

Part of the James River.

Photo: Watson Media via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to the James River (Richmond) for smallmouth bass. In November, smallmouth bass is prime, and Ned Rig, Jerkbait and Tube Jig are a good place to start.

There are 7 shops nearby (1 fly, 6 bait and tackle), including Orvis Richmond River Rd in Henrico. Also nearby: Point Lookout.

Season at a Glance

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Smallmouth Bass

Legend

This Month Prime: Top Months Open, Slower Spawning

Agency: Virginia DWRSpawning: Virginia DWR (Smallmouth Bass)

Season Rules & Licenses

  • Virginia DWR rule for the James River from the Jackson and Cowpasture confluence down to the 14th Street Bridge in Richmond (2026): no largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches may be kept; only 1 a day over 22 inches (5 a day statewide). Below the 14th Street Bridge (the fall line) tidal rules apply. Virginia DWR 2026

Rules: our short summary, not the official text. Gear & Tackle is independent, not a government site; rules change, so read the agency's current rules before you go.

Most anglers need a Virginia fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state.

Buy a License from Virginia DWR Virginia DWR Fishing Regulations

Parts of the James River

James River (Richmond) Species

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Prime: Jan to Apr, Sep to Nov

Spawning: Mar to May, per Virginia DWR

View Species

Species per Virginia DWR.

Images: Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.

What to Use

Fishing In

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now · Jan to Apr, Sep to Nov

Fly

9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Rod, Reel and Line

  • RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 6 wt Fly RodCheck Price
  • ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 6 or 7 weightCheck Price
  • LineScientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line · 6 or 7 wt.Check Price

Tie On in November

Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Buy Local

Shops near James River (Richmond):

Map of James River (Richmond)

Area around a representative access point; the river runs beyond it. View Larger Map© OpenStreetMap contributors

Fishing VideosWatch James River (Richmond) Fishing Videos on YouTube

Planning for a Month

Prime in November

Smallmouth Bass

Daylight

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Moon

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Typical Weather

60°F high, 39°F low

About 3.1 in of precipitation for the month.

Typical Flow

3,330 cfs

Most years 1,358 cfs to 10,100 cfs.

Typical, Not a Forecast: weather from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals at a station about 10 mi away; flow from USGS gauge 02037500, 1936 to 2025.

Also Worth Packing

Clothing for November comes first, picked from typical weather here.

Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable four-layer waders built as a daily driver for seasons of wading.

Pack It For: Oct to May

Check Price Maker's Page

Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Wading Boots

Supportive wading boots with determined traction for a full range of wading conditions, worn over waders or wading socks.

Pack It For: Year-round

Check Price Maker's Page

Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A floating trout net with tangle-free micromesh rubberized netting and a flat bottom that supports the fish's weight evenly.

Check Price Maker's Page

Apparel

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer

A 100% merino wool base layer for temperature regulation and moisture management, under waders or a jacket.

Pack It For: Jan

Check Price Maker's Page

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Ramps and Launches on James River (Richmond)

Paddle Launch

Huguenot Bridge

Hand Launch (Boat Slide)

Directions

Paddle Launch

Robious Park

Hand Launch (Boat Slide)

Directions

Source: Virginia DWR Boating Access Locations. Hours and fees change; check before you go.

Shops Near James River (Richmond)

Guides and Charters Near James River (Richmond)

Farther Out

Nearby Water

Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland

Point Lookout

Part of Chesapeake Bay · About 73 mi

A peninsula where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, with a 710-foot state park fishing pier open mid-April to mid-December and lower Bay striped bass, red drum, speckled trout, and bluefish.

Striped Bass · Redfish · Speckled Trout

View Water