James River/Scottsville Chris Wilkes at James River Runners Hatton Ferry reports that after a slow spring, fishing-wise, things are looking up on the James River. “I've had a few reports of great top water action on some of the smaller rivers where temps are probably a bit higher, but still they are still few and far between on the James,” Chris noted. “The big ones are starting to wake up if … [Read more...]

  This is the week the fish and the anglers have been waiting for! Spawning fish are shallow and coming up in waves. Fish can be caught in pre-spawn and full-spawn this week. The full moon, water temps steady in the 60s, and blossoming azaleas have encouraged nature to take its course. Great week ahead, with daytime highs in the low to mid 80s and overnight lows around 60. Chance of … [Read more...]

Capt. Dave Wilson aboard the Godspeed Charters said they had beautiful weather and great fishing on Wednesday. “When your first fish of the day is a citation, 41 pound wahoo, you gotta believe it's gonna be a great day,” he remarked. “We wound up catching three wahoos before moving offshore to look for yellow fins. The gaffer dolphin found us first, so we whacked a bunch of them. Towards the … [Read more...]

Ed T. of Front Royal Canoe had this report for the South Fork of the Shenandoah: First trip of the year for me, finally got back on the river. Really nice day weather-wise. Started out a little cool, but turned into a beautiful spring day. The river had come up about ¾-foot and was quite stained. The water temperature had dropped some as well. Chalk all that up to the rains upriver last Tuesday … [Read more...]

Trout Streams Valley Report Kevin Little at South River Fly Shop says the South River in Waynesboro is in ideal shape, full of fish and some very nice trout are coming to nets. The South will have been stocked three times this year by the state, with fish averaging 9- to 12-inches. There have also been three private stockings of larger fish, 14- to 20-inches. Plus there are some huge holdover … [Read more...]

Virginia Saltwater Report by Dr. Julie Ball We endured yet another harsh winter, and now spring fever is rampant. But with water temperatures still lagging in the low forties, expect a late start to the much-anticipated arrival of the first species of the season, the croaker, flounder, bluefish, red drum and black drum. Tautog fishing is still pretty much the only game in town until the waters … [Read more...]

Freshwater Trout Streams Virginia trout have been stocked in nearly every eligible body of water, and though fishing is slow, the trout are well dispersed and should begin to hit in earnest as water temperatures reach 40 degrees and higher. To find out which streams have been recently stocked, call the Game Department at (434) 525-3474. Tommy Lawhorne at South River Fly Shop in Waynesboro … [Read more...]