Mossy Creek Fly Fishing Guides have been putting some James River muskies in the boat. Bob Cramer, pictured above, caught and released a handsome fish. Below are some suggestions from MC Guides. With the recent hot weather let’s all be responsible with these big fish. We recommend everyone getting a stream thermometer and keep it in their boats all summer. Please respect all Virginia’s musky … [Read more...]

The river was in good shape. Still high enough water level to get through with no real hassle. No dragging the canoe over the rocks.  It’s still very clean as far as debris or plant growth. Nice conditions. It was raining before I even got in the water. But you know, sometimes you can get some pretty good results fishing in the rain. So I was game. Sure enough, first cast got a bluegill with a #3 … [Read more...]

Until two weeks ago, the brookie streams throughout the state were on fire. Now, not so much. The streams are getting a little “boney” said Tommy Lawhorne at South River Fly Shop. Water flows are down and the fish are spookier. There are, Tommy said, still some nice holdover trout through the downtown section of the South River. Tommy reports a good trico hatch around 8 am, and then it’s … [Read more...]

Finally, the James is fishable. In fact, it’s in near-perfect condition, running a little under 4 feet, ideal for this time of year. The smallmouth are biting, but so far, no citations reported at James River Runners in Hatton. With all the up and down swings in water levels, not all of the smallmouth have finished spawning. They’ll keep trying and hopefully reproduce a good year class for … [Read more...]

Middle Bay Fishing Charters www.misskarencharterfishing.com   Rappahannock River Croaker fishing remains excellent according to Capt. Dick Whitehill aboard Miss Karen’s Fishing. Stripers are not cooperating. Flounder and Spanish mackerel should be appearing soon. A trip with Capt. Whitehill makes an outstanding Fathr’s Day present. Call him at 434-960-5411   Virginia … [Read more...]

Dr. Julie Ball says cobia hunters in North Carolina are still reporting excellent catches this week as they intercept schools of fish heading north. But this week, both sightings of schools of cobia as well-boated fish confirm their arrival in local waters off Virginia. This trend will only improve over the next months. Although the bite is not as crazy as it was a week ago, the drum bite … [Read more...]

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...]