Most anglers picture Virginia’s James River as a rocky, mountain-fed waterway flowing from the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay. While the upper reaches offer spectacular scenery and fishing for smallmouth bass and muskellunge, that river transforms completely at Richmond’s fall line – where colonial boats once stopped and a dramatically different waterway begins.
At Richmond, the James shifts from the Piedmont region to the Coastal Plains. Rocky rapids give way to tidal flows and calm waters. This tidal section has its own distinct character and beauty, though its massive size can overwhelm anglers accustomed to smaller waters. Understanding the river by sections makes tackling these expansive waters much more manageable. Numerous public access points stretch from Richmond to the Chesapeake Bay confluence.
Ancarrows Landing
Richmond anglers know Ancarrows Landing well, particularly during the famous shad run from late March through mid-April when this city-owned facility sees its heaviest use of the year. The two-lane ramp accommodates everything from kayaks to 20-foot center console boats bound for the Chesapeake. Spring brings hickory shad, American shad, striped bass, and white perch as these species make their spawning runs. Year-round residents include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Shore fishing is especially popular during shad season.
Osborne Landing
Downstream from Richmond, Osborne Landing features three double boat ramps plus a separate kayak and canoe launch. This extremely popular facility has hosted numerous national bass fishing tournaments, as largemouth bass remain the top target species. The James River’s reputation as a world-class tidal largemouth fishery draws anglers from across the region. Many also launch here targeting blue catfish. A fishing pier accommodates those without boats. Spring fishing includes hickory shad, white perch, striped bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bowfin.
Deep Bottom Boat Landing
Deep Bottom provides excellent access for exploring nearby Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. Here the James develops its winding character with long bends and oxbows toward Hopewell. Extended curves, shallow areas, and freshwater marshes define this section’s features. Blue catfish and largemouth bass dominate angling efforts. Trophy blue catfish over 50 pounds are regularly landed in these waters. Wildlife watchers frequently spot bald eagles, ospreys, and blue herons.
Appomattox Delta & Confluence
Hopewell City Marina offers Appomattox River access above its James River confluence, while Jordan Point Marina provides main river access below the merger. The James undergoes dramatic changes here as the Appomattox adds substantial freshwater flow. The river expands significantly and water movement slows compared to narrower upstream channels. Extensive flats hold water throughout tidal cycles. Blue catfish are everywhere, with specimens exceeding 100 pounds caught nearly annually. Largemouth bass fishing thrives with diverse habitat including riprap points, docks, duck blinds, wooded shores, drop-offs, humps, and bends. Spring striped bass fishing involves trolling artificial lures or fishing live and cut bait.
Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park & Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City County provides a single-lane boat ramp and fishing pier. The pier particularly attracts blue catfish anglers. This section features abundant flats, points, and river bends, plus multiple large creek confluences that create prime habitat for catfish and largemouth bass.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County sits roughly 17 miles downstream. Its wide two-lane ramp launches boats at Gordon Creek near the Chickahominy River confluence. Bald cypress trees and vast freshwater marshes create particularly scenic surroundings. This location is extremely popular with largemouth bass enthusiasts and hosts multiple tournaments annually. Both the Chickahominy and James offer outstanding largemouth fishing near the park. The facility includes a large fishing pier and riverside camping for multi-day fishing trips.
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area
Hog Island marks the freshwater-saltwater fishing license boundary on the James. A line connecting Hog Point on Hog Island in Surry County with the downstream point of College Creek’s mouth in James City County defines this division. Upstream fishing requires freshwater licenses while downstream requires saltwater licenses. Salinity levels increase dramatically here but vary with seasonal flow and rainfall patterns.
Lawnes Creek Boat Ramp provides access to Lawnes Creek just above its James River confluence. Striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout become primary targets in this reach. Blue catfish fishing remains excellent, especially during wet winters and springs when the salt wedge moves further downstream. Black drum and flounder are also caught regularly.
Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area and the Mouth of the James
Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area offers spectacular scenery directly across from Newport News. Oyster beds and tidal salt marshes dominate the landscape, with creeks winding through the WMA carrying strong tidal currents. Low and high tides create dramatically different conditions. Kayakers and canoeists can explore the WMA directly. Boat anglers face 15-20 minute runs from either Jones Creek Boat Ramp or Huntington Park Boat Ramp near the James River Fishing Pier in Newport News. The river’s massive size here demands careful attention to tides and wind forecasts. Dolphins commonly appear during summer months.
Summer fishing produces red drum, speckled trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and sheepshead. During wet periods, blue catfish reach this area and even the James River Fishing Pier. Pier anglers also battle impressive black drum. Downstream from Ragged Island, the James maintains its industrial character through its final turn into the Chesapeake Bay. The Nansemond and Elizabeth rivers join from the Norfolk side, both offering excellent fishing opportunities. The Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel and Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel provide popular fishing structure as the river passes through Hampton before reaching the Bay, concluding 348 miles from its mountain origins.
Alex McCrickard serves as DWR’s Angling Education Coordinator.
