osbornj2 Posted March 3, 2009 Posted March 3, 2009 Just a couple of pics from some smallies that a buddy and I caught over the weekend. We were on the upper James River; water temps steady at 43.5; pre-cold front; water was low and very clear. All bass were caught (9 total) with jerkbaits (Pointer and Xrap) over boulders in about 6-8 foot water. Although we primarily set out to tame some muskies ( I literally threw the jerkbait rod in the boat at the last minute!), we didn't see a one! No follows, no swipes, no chases...nothing! But, hey, who's complaining about 9 bass, averaging about 2 lbs each, with atleast 3-4 in the 3 - 3.5 lb range?!?! Quote
Super User Dan: Posted March 3, 2009 Super User Posted March 3, 2009 Very nice! I have always wanted to fish the upper james. Quote
SimonSays Posted March 3, 2009 Posted March 3, 2009 Nice! I've been in richmond for so long and i've yet to fish the upper james! one day i'll make it over there ;D Quote
osbornj2 Posted March 3, 2009 Author Posted March 3, 2009 For all that have asked...we were fishing at Snowden, which is downstream from where Natural Bridge and where the Maury meets the James at Glasgow, but upstream from Lynchburg. I know that this is a VERY broad area, but if you can find Snowden on a map, then the boat launch is right on Rt 501, at the dam for the power plant. From this part of the state, the easiest/best way is to take I-81 to the Natural Bridge exit, then Rt 11 to Glasgow, then 501 through the mountains (very curvy and windey!) until you get to the put-in. You could potentially launch at Glasgow, and sometimes we'll take a canoe and float from there to Snowden...but, that involves Balcony Falls, and I am NOT about to do that in February ! ;D Hope this helps someone out! Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted March 3, 2009 Super User Posted March 3, 2009 Sounds great to me. Nice pic. 8-) Quote
drmnbig Posted March 4, 2009 Posted March 4, 2009 I used to catfish with my cousin on the upper James but never bass fished it. We always put in at the next ramp. How hard is it to get a boat under the bridge? Is it taller than it looks? Quote
osbornj2 Posted March 4, 2009 Author Posted March 4, 2009 We always put in at the next ramp. How hard is it to get a boat under the bridge? Is it taller than it looks? Yeah...that's an important question!! ;D As I mentioned earlier, the water level was pretty low the other day ( I tore up my license plate and my lights on my trailer while backing in the water :'( ), and we had to duck pretty low to get under the bridge! The water was below the spillway, as indicated on the little marker lines on the ramp. At full "pond", while launching the trailer would be MUCHO simpler, you would have to almost lay flat in your boat to get under the bridge!! (that's a slight exaggeration...you could just sit down and paddle your way through). BTW - is there decent catfishing in that area? It looks like great water, but I am not much of a catfisherman, so I wouldn't really know what constitutes good water! Quote
drmnbig Posted March 5, 2009 Posted March 5, 2009 I thought that bridge looked pretty low! The catfishing through there is great! We always used live perch and caught many 6-15lb cats and about every other trip we'd catch 20+ pounders. My biggest cat came from there and it weighed just over 40lbs! The only thing we caught were flatheads. If you ever need a partner on the river I live about 45 minutes from there so just give me a yell. Quote
Super User 5bass Posted March 5, 2009 Super User Posted March 5, 2009 Thats a good one Jeff and the fishing is only getting better from here on out. Quote
osbornj2 Posted March 5, 2009 Author Posted March 5, 2009 Thats a good one Jeff and the fishing is only getting better from here on out. Thanks, Scott...and AMEN! How about the forecast for this weekend?!? Snowstorm on Sunday, and 70's by Friday....gotta love SW Virginia! What is it they say about March...in like a lamb, out like a lion? (or, is that backwards : ) Drmn - tks for the info! I've never really done much "real" catfishing, but, boy, does that sound pretty exciting!! Maybe this spring we can hook up and meet down there...??? Quote
Super User 5bass Posted March 5, 2009 Super User Posted March 5, 2009 I like the forecasted temperatures but I'd much rather have some clouds and gray skies to go with 'em. Maybe even have a storm roll in with some warm rain about noon on Saturday or something. That would get things going. Quote
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