The James is a powerful and dangerous river. Last week, an Albemarle County family lost three children to drowning after a fateful attempt to swim.
I can personally attest to the strength of this mighty river.
When I first moved to Charlottesville, I asked about river fishing in these parts and was told to go to the James.
It was a beautiful, charming river and I fished from the bank, tossing out various lures with mixed results. But on a small strip of land about 15 yards from shore, I saw several nice smallmouth leaping for dragonflies off the point. Naturally, I decided to wade across. Big mistake.
I was used to wading in the gentle Greenbrier River where you could wade across the river on tiptoes. There was very little current to contend with. But when I got about halfway to the little island, I could feel the enormity of the current. If I slipped, I would be quickly washed down to a set of rapids just below, and that would not have been good. I was stuck. Afraid to go backwards or forwards. I then decided to cast my lure to a bush on the other side and was able to pull myself across. I fished for a bit, catching some nice smallmouth before swallowing a big “Gulp” and heading back across. Again, I tossed my lure to the far bank and inched my way safely to shore.
Never wade or swim in the James without personal flotation. Ever!