James River - Scottsville - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
James River – Scottsville - Water Flow Chart
James River – Scottsville - Weather report & radar
James River – Scottsville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olive | Overcast Days | #16-20 | Adams, Parachute Adams | |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Overcast Days | #16-20 | Adams, Parachute Adams |
| Caddis | Afternoon | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Brown Caddis | |
| April | Caddis | Afternoon | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Brown Caddis |
| Mayfly | Morning/Evening | #12-16 | Parachute Adams, Grey Wulff | |
| May | Mayfly | Morning/Evening | #12-16 | Parachute Adams, Grey Wulff |
| Stonefly | Morning/Evening | #8-12 | Golden Stone, Black Stone | |
| June | Stonefly | Morning/Evening | #8-12 | Golden Stone, Black Stone |
| Terrestrials | Afternoon | #10-14 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers | |
| July | Terrestrials | Afternoon | #10-14 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Trico Mayfly | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner | |
| August | Trico Mayfly | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner |
| Terrestrials | Afternoon | #10-14 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers | |
| September | Terrestrials | Afternoon | #10-14 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Blue Winged Olive | Overcast Days | #16-20 | Adams, Parachute Adams | |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Overcast Days | #16-20 | Adams, Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra, Griffith’s Gnat |
James River – Scottsville Access Points
Fly fishing in the James River, Scottsville, offers a great outdoor experience. Here are some of the best access points for this activity:
- Scottsville Fishing Access: This spot is a popular starting point for anglers. It provides ample shore space and boat launch facilities.
- Swan’s Boat Landing: Situated six miles downstream from Scottsville, Swan’s is a quiet location, perfect for peaceful fishing outings. However, there’s no boat ramp access here.
- James River Reeling and Rafting: They offer boat services, making this a versatile spot whether you’re on shore, wading, or in a kayak.
- Hatton Ferry: Thirteen miles down from Scottsville, Hatton Ferry provides boat and shore fishing access with abundant smallmouth bass.
- Hardware River WMA: Hardware River Wildlife Management Area sits at the confluence of the James and Hardware rivers, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Note that Virginia fishing regulations apply at all locations.
James River – Scottsville Fishing Spots
Scottsville on the James River is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, featuring a variety of hotspot areas. Here are some top spots to make your fishing trip a memorable experience:
- Scottsville Lake: This 19-acre lake is abundantly stocked with fish species such as largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish making it perfect for fly fishing.
- Scottsville Dam: An incredible spot where the most fish are caught due to the confluence of currents.
- Hardware River: A great tributary of the James River, known for quality smallmouth and largemouth bass.
- Totier Creek: A picturesque spot with excellent fishing for bass and sunfish as well.
- Hatton Ferry: Another excellent spot with a variety of fish species and terrific scenery.
Please note: some areas require a fishing license and following appropriate local and state regulations is highly recommended.
James River – Scottsville Local Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass: Known for its aggressive feeding habits, smallmouth bass is a popular choice for fly fishing enthusiasts on the James River.
- Rock Bass: Another species in the bass genus, rock bass are a fond catch of anglers due to their tendency to bite shiny things, making them a little easier to catch with fly fishing techniques.
- Flathead Catfish: A widely known sportfish, flathead catfish can grow up to impressive sizes and provide a challenging catch.
- Bluegill: Bluegill are fun to catch on the fly and since they reproduce rapidly, are often a readily available gamefish on the James River.
- Muskellunge: Often known simply as muskie, this large, relatively rare fish is an exciting catch for an angler given its size and power.
- Freshwater Drum: Though not as popular as some other species, freshwater drum is often a target for fly fishing due to its size and the fight it often puts up when being reeled in.
- Shad: During certain seasons, the James River sees significant runs of shad, making them an excellent target for fly fishing.
- Carp: Though many view carp as a “trash fish,” they can grow to large sizes and are often overlooked as a target for fly fishing, providing a fun and unexpected challenge.
About the James River – Scottsville
Explore the captivating history of the James River – Scottsville. A centerpiece of Virginia, the river played an essential role in early American life. It was historically significant for Native Americans as a fishing and trade route that was later adopted by European settlers. Trade along Scottsville became even more enriched in the mid-18th century when batteau boats shipped tobacco and other goods.
Furthermore, Scottsville’s prosperity is directly linked to the James River and Kanawha Canal project which enhanced trade and transportation.
- The canal operated from 1785 to 1880 and had a prolific 95 years.
- In the 19th century, it immensely contributed to westward expansion.
Today, the James River Scottsville is a prized historical and recreational site, offering picturesque views and a variety of outdoor activities. Soak up the atmosphere and revel in its rich history!
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