Fly Lines
RIO Bass Fly Line
A short, aggressive head that turns over wind-resistant poppers and bass bugs.
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Smallmouth in the upper river and trophy blue catfish in the tidal James near Richmond.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to James River for smallmouth bass and blue catfish. The best months overall are Year-round. In October, smallmouth bass is in season, and Clouser Minnow, Crayfish Fly and Ned Rig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (2 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is Orvis Richmond River Rd in Henrico, 2 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out.
Best Months
Year-round
In October
Smallmouth Bass
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
James River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This FlyCrayfish Fly #2-6
FlyStreamer · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This FlyNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Blue Catfish · Live shad or skipjack.
Cut Shad Chunk or fillet
BaitNatural Bait · Blue Catfish · Fresh is best.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Blue Catfish
Spin / Cast 7.5 to 8 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 5000 to 6500 levelwind reel, 30 to 50 lb line, 7/0 to 8/0 circle hooks.
Matched to These Species
Gear for James River
Rod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik Catfish Special Combo
A stout, long rod with a large reel for heavy sinkers and big cats.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near James River
Bait & Tackle
Soggy Bottom Outpost Bait & Tackle LLC
Mechanicsville, Virginia· 7 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Mechanicsville, VA.
Bait & Tackle
DICK'S Sporting Goods
Chesterfield, Virginia· 14 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chesterfield, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Virginia Guide Bait Co.
Chesterfield, Virginia· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chesterfield, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Fish Tales Bait and Tackle
Hopewell, Virginia· 20 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Hopewell, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Brendas Bait and Tackle
Petersburg, Virginia· 23 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Petersburg, VA.