


However, given sufficient flows, experienced jet boat operators can access the river using the Horseshoe Bend ramp. Shallow, fast water at this boat ramp makes launching difficult. The trip ends at the Horseshoe Bend boat ramp off Rt.
#James river water level full
This trip is one of the longest on the upper James so be prepared for a full day on the river. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and muskies provide the best angling opportunities in this stretch of river. Route 220 crosses Craig Creek near the town of Eagle Rock. This trip begins at the gravel access where U.S. The trip ends at the gravel shoreline access in Craig Creek near the town of Eagle Rock.Ĭraig Creek (Eagle Rock) to Horseshoe Bend Map From the gravel access in Sinking Creek, follow the creek under the railroad bridge to enter the James River. This shorter float contains numerous class I rapids and is great for a quick fishing trip or tubing. There is a gravel parking area next to Sinking Creek off U.S. The Gala access is located in Sinking Creek approximately 75 yards from the confluence with the James River. The pool and riffle habitat in this section makes it popular among muskie anglers. This trip contains numerous class I and a few class II rapids. This float is often combined with the Glen Wilton to Gala trip to make a longer 10-mile trip. The Glen Wilton access is a shoreline access under Bridge St.

This trip contains several class I rapids and is popular for muskie and smallmouth bass fishing. Route 220 Bridge over the James River and parking is available in the gravel lot across of Glen Wilton Rd.

Iron Gate is the first access on the James River located less than one mile below the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers. Maps & Directions James River Float Trips & Access Points Bank and wade fishing access is also available throughout the river. Small boats (perferably jon boats with jet drive motors) can also be used at most access points. Canoes and kayaks is the best way to access the river, maps and narration for float trips are found under Maps & Access. Overall, the James River offers an excellent fishing opportunity for a number of species. Most of the muskies are found upstream from Lynchburg. These fish are scarce, but some very large fish can be caught. Muskies are also annually stocked in the James. Flathead catfish appear to be more numerous upstream from Lynchburg, and channel catfish are more numerous below Lynchburg. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass). Though smallmouth are present throughout the river abundances can vary noticeably between sections. Both the mountain sections (upstream from Lynchburg) and the piedmont sections (between Lynchburg and Richmond) generally provide good fishing. Smallmouth bass fishing will be good throughout the river. Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught. Shenandoah, Cowpasture, and James River fish kills updateįrom the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers in Botetourt County, downstream to the 14th Street bridge in Richmond, the Non-tidal James River offers a wide range of angling opportunities and settings.
