Likely spend a day or 2 chasing shad on the James this spring, looking for info on what kind of setup to use. Seams like a mh as you tend to need weight to get to the bottom, maybe bring that and a ml? And then for lures jigs and spoons? And recommendations onwhich, thanks.

Anyone know of any spots I can fish the bank for catfish this time of year that isn’t the lower James. I’m looking to catch a couple to eat, I hate buying fish from the market. I know plenty of spring summer and fall spots, just never really fished for em in the dead of winter.

Hey all - I’m moving to Chesterfield next month and am looking for some info (fly fishing). I’m having a lot of trouble finding what I’m looking for online.

Here in MD, our DNR has a GIS websitethat shows the fish species for any body of water in the state. I know VA has the trout maps that I’ve used a few times in the mountains, but is there a statewide one like the one we have in MD showing other species in other areas? I’m trying to figure out what else might be local in some of the small streams and lakes around Chesterfield.

Along those same lines - is it possible to wade in the James, or is it too powerful? Are there a lot of restrictions against wading in other public rivers/streams/lakes around the area?

For reference, I’m mainly interested in trout but know I’ve got to go to Shenandoah for them, so just trying to see what else may be around. I’m planning on hitting up one of the Orvis stores next time I’m in town to see what info I can get from them as well.

What are some good winter fishing spots around RVA?

I’m going out to fish Shields lake tomorrow and I’m looking to do some bank fishing for trout. Anybody know what rigs/baits are best? Never been trout fishing. Also when was the last time it was stocked?

Also if there is any suggestions on a spot at the lake that’d help too!

Anyone had success fishing on the bank of the James for catfish in Richmond?

Trying to go out this weekend. No boat and only have the time for a short trip - so maybe 30 mins from city, 45 if it is a really, really great spot.

I understand it is winter and the bite is probably going to be slow, but anyone got a suggestion for a target species and location I could try? Thanks!

Needing some fresh bait. Are there still gizzard shad in the james around ancarrows and the shiplock park area? Cast netting from shore

I’m still pretty new and haven’t been able to catch much as temperatures have started to drop. Any tips for fall fishing in/around RVA?

Do you have to have a license for a child under 16? it will be his pole, etc. I am just supervising. do I need one too? Its richmond city. Any good spots for him?

Delete if not allowed!

I am starting up a kids fishing lesson program in the RVA area! If you are a parent and want to help get your kids into fishing, send me a message! I offer unique bank fishing experiences with multi species options! Bass fishing, panfish fishing, catfish and carp fishing. If you would like to know more details, please send me a message! My goal is to get kids outdoors and involved in fishing!

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Are either of these parks' lakes particularly better than another? I've gone to Byrd park a good few times and don't tend to have great luck.

So I’m planning to go night fishing (first time) in the city Friday evening. Any tips on locations I should go to? Any other tips?

Hey RVA,

Just found this sub and thought it would be a great place to ask a few questions as a recently relocated angler. I moved here from New York and most of my experience is saltwater. I have some freshwater experience in New England but the species and conditions are certainly different there.

1. What type of rig and tackle have you been successful with? I’m mostly looking to fish the James. I don’t have a particular target species but I’d be happy hooking up with some catfish and/or bass.

2. What is a reliable spot in or around the city that you’ve been successful with? I’m willing to go as far south as Colonial Heights or as far north as Ashland.

3. Are there any preferred baits or lures you have had success with around greater RVA?

I’ve taken two trips so far but have been unsuccessful (Ancarrow’s Landing and Swan Lake). Barely a nibble at Ancarrow’s and absolutely nothing at Swan Lake.

I really appreciate any advice you can offer and spots you can recommend for a fun day on the water. RVA seems like a great fishing city and I’ve heard the James can be really productive with some big cats and nice bass.

Hi everyone. I moved here about a year ago. Love to bass fish and have had some luck catching fish from the bank but could use some advice on where to bank fish to catch some late fall bass. If anyone has any advice I’d appreciate it greatly. Thanks in advance

I picked up this Pflueger patriarch for an absolute steal ($45) off of Facebook marketplace a couple days ago. It's not running the smoothest and I think it could benefit from a breakdown, clean, and lube. Thing is I have never broken down a reel before and cannot afford to replace this if I fuck it up. Is there anywhere within a reasonable drive from Richmond I can pay to get this done?

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We NEED fish! We just launched and hunting season is in its prime. Let’s see some fish checked in.

Post your fish (bucks, bears, fish, etc) by county. Check out what is being harvested/caught by county. Start your trophy wall.

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Hello everyone! I am trying to get out this weekend on the James, and am having a heck of a time figuring out where to go. I have a Smithfly Big Shoals raft, and me and my wife would be going. I am confident in paddling, but she would only do the flat water. The plan would be to camp halfway through the float.

We usually go around the bremo bluff area, but are also looking up towards Buchanan as well.

Also willing to go away from the James if needed as well!

I know this is FishingRVA, but I figured y’all might know the most about the James as a whole.

Thank you so much!

Title says it all. Where can I find live peeler crabs in/around RVA? Headed towards salt for pre-dawn launch and I'd love to drop some finder rigs.

Obviously not going to risk my life taking the canoe out while the river is like this, anybody have a local pond, lake or creek that they like?