Summary: Smallmouth season is still going strong but water temps are dropping quickly. This rain should really turn things on as water levels come up. We’re hoping the Shenandoah will be floatable this week. Smallmouth bass are going into their fall feeding pattern bulking up for winter. We’re seeing some really good fish up to 19″ on most trips. As always this time of year, we’re waiting for trout season to kick in as water levels come up. We should know this next week if we’ve received enough water for the Rose River Farm to open. The Jackson tailwater has been a real bright spot over the summer. If you’ve never had a chance to float it you should. See my report on this below in the Jackson River section.
James River:
Fishing is good but water has really gotten low. The next two weeks should be really revitalized with this rain. As i mentioned above, the fall pattern is kicking in for smallmouth bass. They will be feeding on minnows etc to fatten up for the winter. We’re finding many of the fish in the shallows and riffles. Don’t be afraid to fish super shallow riffles which provide cover, food, and higher temps. reminder: the bridge at Hardware River is still out making the Scottsville to Bremo run unavailable unless you have LOTS of time to float both runs together. You can, however, launch small boats that don’t need a launch ramp here. Most of our fish are being taken on streamers now especially Thin Mints. Kreelex should take lots of fish. We have Kreinick material in stock if you want to tie your own. We have recently contracted with a custom tyer to supply us with brass eyed Kreelex, some in brand new colors. Finally, we always go with a selection of Clawdads in a variety of colors, black/blue and tan being my personal favorites. Best float recently has been Wingina to JRWMA. Multiple larger fish to 19″ are showing on most trips. Lots of fish holding along the banks like usuall but don’t overlook the riffles. Click here to see all USGS river data for James River.
Shenandoah River:
I expect to be fishing the better sections again this next two weeks as water levels rise making it floatable in our raft. See all USGS info here. Tan Clawdads and poppers are taking almost all fish as well as Thin Mints or dark streamers. Not only are there great numbers of fish on selected floats but there are a good number of larger fish too including some GREAT largemouth bass. I am very impressed with both the numbers and quality of the fish I’m seeing after the fish kills of a couple of years ago. Great time to book a trip since i don’t expect water levels to last very long.
Blue Rige Mountain Streams: Moorman’s, Conway, Rapidan Rivers
Not fishing well in last 4 weeks due to heat and water levels. Water levels below 25%. Let’s see what the rain does. All streams fished very well while water levels lasted into the summer. The South Fork of the Moormans was a great surprise.
Jackson River: Flows are normal below the dam running at 270 cfs. USGS dats is here. Water temps are holding so fishing is great in the tailwater section below the dam. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18. This has been my most productive fly when fished as a dropper off a size 10-12 prince or hare’s ear.
I had a great opportunity to fish King’s Grant land recently. We landed over 100 wild fish, mostly rainbows but got one 18″ brown and several other smaller brown’s. Dargan Cogshall has been fishing the lower public floats and has been knockin em dead. See his pics here. Be aware that the landowner of the middle float (Davis Bridge to Indian Draft) is now posting his land and saying you can’t anchor or wade. According to game wardens he has no right to ask this legally. For now the 6 miles above and below this offer better fishing and less hassle. I suggest Johnson Springs to Davis Bridge or Indian Draft to Petticoat Junction.
Rivanna River:
Flows low and slow. Fishing is slow. Deeper pools and runs will hold fish. Good reports coming out of the palmyra area.
Rose River Farm:
Closed for at least another week. Booking for fall season now. 434.977.6882. OCTOBER IS ALMOST FULL AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BOOKING THIS FALL CALL SOON TO RESERVE YOUR DATE. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
