Fall Smallies: James River Smallmouth Fly Fishing

Fall smallmouth, James River fly fishing!

Who can beat it?  Most experienced smallmouth anglers love smallmouth fishing in the fall.  Gone are the hot days, the leaves start changing and the big bass feed more aggressively.  In addition, they’ve grown from the spring and its a great time to pull in a personal best bronzeback.

Fall Smallies: James River smallmouth fishing

The James River is famous for it’s smallmouth fishing.  September is a great time to get out there and enjoy it!

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Virginia’s warm-water fisheries are some of the best in the Southeast, and as the water temps drop, the smallmouth bass liven up from their summer lethargy and get active. The top water bite is pretty consistent during this time, and the water is still warm enough to wet wade, so the best bet is to head out toward the middle of the day and fish through the warmth of the afternoon. Blue, white, and chartreuse poppers should bring bass to the surface; if not try a trusty Clouser minnow or other baitfish pattern.

If you are wading, some of the best spots on the James are around Scottsville, Va., area where the river is wide and shallow, allowing easy access to both banks and the river’s deep holes. There is a public boat ramp at the Hardware River State Wildlife Management Area. If you have a boat or canoe, this is also a great takeout if you put in above Scottsville.  Check the nice bronzeback pic at the original article here:  Source

Even if you can’t get to the James River, take advantage of the fall bite.  With the waning daylight, smallmouth fishing will be heating up in many rivers and streams.

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