Upper James River, Virginia

[Shadow1]

Looking for some info about the Upper James River, Virginia.  A friend of mine and I usually take a trip to Pennsylvania or Wisconsin to do some smallmouth fishing.  I am wondering what time of year is best for the Upper James and if anyone has any info for possible guides or outfitters in the area.  I've done a Google search and there is a vast amount of info there.  So I am looking for someone who has actually been there or regularly fishes this system. 

 

Thanks for any and all info!!

[TnRiver46]

@Sam will help 

[heavyduty]

A little late but I may be able to help. By Upper James, do you mean above Lynchburg, VA? If not, what stretch have you been looking at?

[Shadow1]

That's not what I am sure of heavyduty.  I googled it, and so much info came up it was confusing, so I thought to ask on here.  I will take any info you can/will provide such as . . . what time of the year is best, who is an outfitter that can supply us with a canoe, can we camp etc.  

 

Thanks much for your reply and in info you can provide.

[heavyduty]

The James is usually referred to in 3 sections; upper, middle, and lower. Upper is the headwaters down to Lynchburg. Middle is Lynchburg down to the fall line at Richmond. Lower is the tidal waters below the fall line at Richmond to the bay.

I've not fished the upper but have several friends that do. They fish from Iron Gate down to Snowden. This is for the most part canoe/kayak waters and excellent fishing. As far as a guide, Rock-On Charters (Ken Trail) is very knowledgeable on this section of river. There are several outfitters along this section but I have no personal experience with any as far as canoe/kayak rentals. My friends have their own.

 

The James is not like the Susquehanna in PA regarding state owned/marked campsites. Most outfitters on the upper section have their own private camping areas as part of their float packages.

 

I've fished the Middle James for 40+ yrs. The quantity of fish (catch rate) has declined over the yrs but there are sections that still produce but not in comparison to the Susky. There is good fishing around Lynchburg down to Joshua Falls and there is a canoe/kayak take out near Joshua Falls. I assume any outfitter in Lynchburg would consider this one of their float trips. This would be a good day trip.

 

Next ramp downriver would be Bent Creek. There are some good ledges above this landing if you want to paddle upstream 1/4-1/2 mile. Bent Creek down to the James River State Park is starting to get alot of river traffic since the State Park uses Bent Creek as their starting point for their livery service, BC down to the park. Still some good fishing and the park has cabin rentals and campsites. Day trip here as well.

 

I could go on but I'll skip down to the Hardware River Landing below Scottsville. Hardware to Bremo Bluff/New Canton is an excellent canoe/kayak trip. River is loaded with rocks and small islands. Some flat water below the islands and a day trip here. Hatchmaker Guide Service (L.E. Rhodes) is an excellent river guide in this area and I would highly recommend him. He also guides on the Shenandoah River. There are also a couple outfitters for canoe/kayak rentals. James River Runners and James River Reeling & Rafting. Their floats are primarily from Howardsville to Scottville and is good smallie water.

 

I'll stop here but if you need more info, PM me.