James River - Eagle Rock - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
James River – Eagle Rock - Water Flow Chart
James River – Eagle Rock - Weather report & radar
James River – Eagle Rock - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry | |
| April | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| Caddis | Afternoon to early evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns | |
| Hendricksons | Afternoon | #12-14 | Hendrickson Emerger, Dry | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon to early evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns |
| March Browns | Afternoon | #10-12 | March Brown Dry, Nymph | |
| Sulphurs | Late afternoon to dusk | #14-18 | Sulphur Dun, Emerger | |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon to dusk | #8-10 | Green Drake Dun, Nymph | |
| June | Caddis | Afternoon to early evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns |
| Sulphurs | Late afternoon to dusk | #14-18 | Sulphur Dun, Emerger | |
| Light Cahills | Afternoon to dusk | #12-14 | Light Cahill Dry, Nymph | |
| July | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Tricos | Early morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Dun | |
| August | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Tricos | Early morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry | |
| October | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers | |
| November | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| December | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
James River – Eagle Rock Access Points
Providing an incredible adventure, the James River around Eagle Rock, Virginia, is an excellent fly fishing venue. Several access points make the river easily accessible:
- Buchanan: Located upstream, this access point is just below a dam, renowned for excellent springtime Smallmouth Bass catch.
- Springwood: This access point is midway downstream. It’s perfect for catching seasonal trout and smallmouth bass. Wade fishing from here is particularly rewarding.
- Eagle Rock: The fishing site near Eagle Rock Bridge offers excellent fly fishing opportunities, particularly for Musky and Smallmouth Bass.
- Horseshoe Bend: Found downstream, this access point allows more space for wade fishing and boasts a great catch rate.
- Iron Gate: Upstream of Eagle Rock, this site offers an abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Always remember each area has different fish populations and patterns that may require different strategies and techniques.
James River – Eagle Rock Fishing Spots
The James River in Eagle Rock is a popular destination renowned for its exceptional fly fishing spots. Whether you’re an avid angler or a beginner, this river offers a unique fishing experience featuring a diverse range of fish species.
- Horseshoe Bend: It’s a deep pool providing ample opportunities for anglers to catch notable sizes of both smallmouth bass and catfish.
- Springwood Bridge: A renowned site for large rainbow and brown trout. It’s an excellent area for fly fishing, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Iron Gate: A hotspot for large smallmouth bass and flathead catfish. Fishing on the still water behind the dam can be very rewarding.
- Glen Wilton: Another bend offering the chance for trophy smallmouth bass and walleye, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
James River – Eagle Rock Local Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass: This species is a popular target for anglers due to its aggressive feeding habits and fighting spirit. They are typically found in shallow, rocky areas with strong current.
- Rainbow Trout: Renowned for their beauty and sport value, Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked in the James River in order to provide excellent fly fishing opportunities.
- Brook Trout: Virginia’s official state fish, the Brook trout, is another common target for fly fishers on the James river.
- Channel Catfish: This species thrives in the James River and is known for its voracious appetite, making it a fun and rewarding catch.
- Bluegill: Although smaller than many other game species, Bluegill can be fun to catch on a fly rod, as they are numerous and readily take flies.
- Musky: Though these are more difficult to catch, the James River has one of the strongest populations of Musky in Virginia, making it a top destination for serious fly fishermen.
- Carp: While often overlooked, many skilled fly fishermen target Carp as they are one of the largest and most challenging species to catch in the river.
- Rock Bass: Known locally as “redeyes”, Rock Bass are a favorite of many James River anglers due to their unusual appearance and fighting spirit.
About the James River – Eagle Rock
The James River – Eagle Rock has a rich history, painting a vibrant picture of Virginia’s medieval past. Step back in time, envisioning the Native Americans, who first discovered this virgin land, catching fish on the riverbanks, a backdrop to their peaceful life. This place got dubbed as ‘Eagle Rock’ since it became a popular haven for eagles.
- Throughout the 18th century, industry started to blossom with mills and furnaces alongside the James River playing pivotal roles. Eagle Rock became synonymous with thriving business.
- The iconic Chesapeake and Ohio Railway established in 1869, skimmed the outskirts of Eagle Rock, marking the shifts to modern times.
Today, James River – Eagle Rock is a beloved outdoor paradise, famous for its majestic eagle sightings, fishing, canoeing, and breathtaking views. A place where the echoes of the past blend perfectly with the currents of the present!
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