2026 Virginia Non-Tidal Rivers Fishing Forecast

The upper James River begins at the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers near Iron Gate and flows approximately 90 miles downstream to the City of Lynchburg. Electrofishing catch-rates of smallmouth bass continue to increase in 2025. Recent above average spawns in 2021, 2023 and 2024 have resulted in better numbers of smallmouth bass, ranging 6 to 12 inches in length. In fall 2025, 1,516 smallmouth bass were collected using electrofishing gear with over 70% of those bass considered “catchable size” measuring 7 inches or greater. The 2025 spawn also appears to be above average based on the catch of juvenile smallmouth bass approximately 5 inches or less. Poor spawning from 2010 to 2020 has resulted in fewer quality and trophy sized smallmouth bass in the river. Approximately 10% of the smallmouth bass collected were 14 inches or greater and therefore protected under the current slot limit regulations. Electrofishing surveys show above average spawns for 3 of the last 4 years which should yield better numbers of catchable size smallmouth bass over the next few years. Although it will take several years for these young fish to grow to quality size, anglers may start to see an increase in the overall number of fish landed. More consistent spawning in the future is needed to bring the smallmouth bass abundance up to the levels many anglers remember. Recreational usage of the upper James has become extremely popular. Anglers specifically targeting smallmouth bass should consider fishing in less frequented sections of the river.

Numbers of muskies continue to be good especially in areas upstream of Lynchburg. Several years of successful spawning have led to good numbers of smaller muskies (25 to 30 inches) as well as adult muskies ranging from 32 to 42 inches in length. The abundance of larger muskies (44 inches or greater) appears to be less than what was collected in previous years. However, given the high number of juvenile muskies, anglers should expect good muskie fishing for the next several years.

The upper James is also home to a variety of sunfish including Rock Bass, Redbreast, and Bluegill. Over 1,200 sunfish were collected in 2025 with most fish ranging from 3 to 7 inches in length. Rock bass were most abundant followed by Bluegill and Redbreast sunfish. As for catfish in the upper James, channel and flathead numbers should be similar to previous years, plentiful in places but not consistently abundant river-wide.

Smallmouth Bass numbers in the middle James River (Bent Creek to Watkin’s Landing) remain consistent with historic averages within this section of river. During Fall 2025 samples, a total of 593 Smallmouth Bass were collected, with 92% of those fish measuring less than 12 inches. Fall 2025 samples yielded fair numbers of 1-year old Smallmouth Bass, approximately 7-8 inches in length. These fish will reach catchable size in 2026 and should provide anglers with some action throughout the middle river over the next several years.

Recent detections of Alabama Bass in the tidal James River and a single detection in the fall-line James River indicate an increased potential for illegal introductions into the middle James River. Alabama Bass are known to hybridize with and outcompete Smallmouth Bass populations and pose a serious threat to the future of the fishery.

The middle James also provides anglers the opportunity to catch several sunfish species, including Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, and Rock Bass. Sunfish numbers are consistent with recent years with most fish ranging from 4 to 6 inches in length. These fish can provide good action for anglers, particularly on lighter tackle.

Numbers of both Channel and Flathead Catfish remain consistent throughout the middle James River, with most fish between 18 and 22 inches. Blue Catfish appeared in middle James River electrofishing samples in 2016 however, abundance has remained low since that time.

Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Staunton River in 2025 should continue to be average to good. While the 2023 and 2024-year classes (measured by the density of young bass in our samples) were below average, better than average year classes produced in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022 will maintain consistent catch rates of quality fish for the next several years. Catch rates in fall electrofish sampling show population densities for the past decade to be at or above average and among the best catch rates in 25 years (Figure 1). The 2016- and 2020-year classes were poor/average and high rainfall and extreme flows in 2018 likely resulted in few fish added to the fishery that year. The 2023- and 2024-year classes were also slightly below average, so a good year class is certainly needed.

Consistent numbers of smallmouth over 16 inches have existed in the Staunton for the last 15 years so anglers still have great opportunities to catch quality fish in this stretch of river. Growth rates of Smallmouth Bass are above average, and survival is good which helps the Staunton River be a consistent producer of quality-size smallmouth. The Staunton has excellent Smallmouth Bass habitat in the reach above Brookneal; anglers new to the river should concentrate on the abundant rocky habitat as well as submerged trees extending from the riverbank. The river also holds several Kentucky Spotted Bass and the chance to catch a spot over 12 inches is very good; especially in the lower river below Brookneal.

Recent introductions of Alabama Bass into the system will be closely monitored in the coming years. This species is known to hybridize and outcompete smallmouth populations so we will have to see the fate of the Staunton River Smallmouth Bass population.

Walleye and Saugeye fishing has really taken off in the Staunton, especially from Leesville dam to Altavista. Quality Walleye are now consistently being caught and sampled all the way to Brookneal. A tag reward study ran from 2020 through 2023 to assess the extent of angler exploitation of the Walleye/Saugeye fishery. The corrected percent of fish caught (exploited) by anglers varied in the four-year study but averaged almost 16%. The correction comes from reward cards handed out to active anglers and the percent that return the cards. Harvest rate on Walleye/Saugeye was 44% as these are highly prized table fare. These results indicate that this fishery had relatively consistent fishing pressure for the four years of the study and is becoming increasingly popular (Table 1).

Average catch rates of Smallmouth Bass from electrofishing samples on the Staunton River. Red line is the long-term average

Staunton River exploitation study results 2020-2023.

In addition to black bass and Walleye, anglers in the Staunton River will find fishing for Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish to be excellent. Catfish are well distributed throughout the river and should be available to anglers fishing from the shore and from boats. A Striped Bass spawning run from Kerr Reservoir also provides a very popular and unique fishing opportunity in April and May.

Smallmouth Bass Spring electrofishing catch rates were consistent with results found in 2024 across all sizes (Figure 1). Anglers should expect to see high catch rates of 7 inch fish in the next few years thanks to some strong year classes moving through the system. Biologists collected 924 Smallmouth during spring surveys with 25% of those fish being greater than 11 inches. If you’re looking for a consistent day of catching fish, try fishing areas below Fields Dam such as Baywood, Independence, Fries, Ivanhoe, or Foster Falls. Looking to target larger fish greater than 17 inches or trophy catches, focus below Fields Dam, Ivanhoe, or in the Shot Tower area (Figure 2).

Anglers looking for other opportunities should target sunfish or Rock Bass from Mouth of Wilson to Fries Dam. Approximately 800 sunfish were collected during 2025 surveys ranging from 2 to almost 10 inches. Catfish, both Flatheads and Channels as well as Common Carp can be found in plentiful numbers throughout any of the slower moving pool areas along the upper New River.

Walleyes are also bountiful in the upper New River and can be found anywhere below Fries Dam downstream to Claytor Lake dam. Similar to 2024, we saw good numbers of Walleye 13-22 inches during 2025 surveys, indicating multiple years of good recruitment. We collected similar numbers of fish within the protected slot limit range and saw a slight increase in fish >28”. Over the next few years anglers should begin to see higher numbers of Walleye entering the protected slot limit which, in turn, should help increase natural reproduction within the system.

Length frequency graph of fish collected via Spring electrofishing surveys in 2024 (orange) vs 2025 (green). The first peak indicates age 1 fish.

Spring 2025 Upper New River Smallmouth Bass catch rates of fish <5”, >7”, >14”, and >17” from Mouth of Wilson- Allisonia.

The Lower New River Smallmouth Bass population continued to flourish with similar catch rates compared to 2024. DWR biologists saw a slight decline in overall catch rates, however observed another good spawn year in 2025 (represented by fish <5” in Figure 1). Electrofishing catch rates of fish greater than 7 inches remained slightly above the 20-year average of 67 fish per hour (Figure 2). Radford, Eggleston, and Rich Creek produced the highest numbers of catchable sized fish greater than 7 inches, while fish greater than 14 inches were most prevalent from Riverview downstream through Eggleston. Fish from the dominant 2016-year class will likely be aging out so anglers may begin to see a shift towards a younger population. However, there are still plenty of 17 inch plus fish out there for anglers to target. In fact, catch rates for Smallmouth greater than 17 inches were at an all-time high in 2025 (Figure 2). The best reaches for catching an abundance of fish, as well as larger fish are from Riverview Park downstream through Eggleston. Anglers hunting a citation Smallmouth should target Eggleston, Rich Creek, Whitethorne, or Clendenin Shoals for their best odds. Other species to be on the lookout for are Musky, Rock Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, and Catfish.

Fall 2025 Lower New River Smallmouth Bass catch rates of fish <5”, >7”, >14”, and >17” from Claytor Dam- WV State Line.

Fall Lower New River Smallmouth Bass catch rates of fish <5”, >7”, >14”, and >17” from Claytor Dam- WV State Line from 2005-2025.

The lower New River should provide anglers with great opportunities to catch a musky in 2026. Although electrofishing catch rates during the 2025 electrofishing sample were down slightly compared to previous years, there are still good numbers of adult fish out there to challenge any angler.

The figure to the right shows the relative abundance of musky of various sizes observed during the 2025 sample. Fish in the 15–19-inch range represent juvenile fish that would have been spawned in the spring of 2024. These younger fish are critical to the sustainability of the musky population in the lower New River and the number observed in 2025 suggests an average spawn when compared to previous sampling years.

Seventy-eight percent of adult musky in the lower New River measured ≥ 30 inches while 29% were 38 inches or larger. Approximately 6% of adult musky exceeded 42 inches in length.

The best areas for anglers to target musky continue to be the reach between Claytor Dam and Radford and the area of Whitethorne. These two stretches of river consistently produce some of the highest sampling catch rates compared to other parts of the lower New River.

Anglers should experience good fishing on the North Fork Holston River in 2026. Since 2023, catch rates of Smallmouth Bass have averaged 74 fish/h. In 2025, numbers were slightly below average at 70 fish/hr. However, there are good numbers of catchable sized fish in the 10–17-inch range. In 2025, about 61% of the adult fish in the North Fork Holston River are 11 inches or longer and more than 31% exceed 14 inches. Memorable-sized (≥ 17 inches) accounts for about 9% of the adult Smallmouth Bass population. One percent of the Smallmouth Bass were over 20 inches in 2025.

Rock Bass have been rebounding since 2023 where they saw a precipitous decline. This decline has been seen across many rivers in the state. Catch rates have come back to above the long-term average of 46 fish/h to 57 fish/h in 2025. Though a lot of people do not always target Rock Bass, they make a great additional fish to catch while floating the river. Redbreast are also present in the river. They have seen a similar decline as the Rock Bass; however, they have not rebounded as well. The long term catch rate of Redbreast is 34 fish/h. In 2025, the catch rate was 16 fish/h. Access is significantly limited on the river. The best access is on the upper portion of the river near Saltville and the lower portion close to the Tennessee line. Much of the rest of the river is private and will require landowner permission to access.

The Clinch River routinely offers good fishing opportunities for Smallmouth Bass and should continue to do so in 2026. Although numbers have been on a decline over the past few years, there are still good numbers of fish to be caught. The river was sampled in the Spring of 2025. One hundred and eighty-four Smallmouth were collected at the five sites sampled which equates to a catch rate of 28 fish/h. The population had 65% of the adults measuring 11 inches or longer and 35% exceeding 14 inches. Fish measuring 17 inches or more accounted for 8% of the adult population. Trophy fish (greater than 20 inches) were not collected in 2025. Anglers should look to catch decent numbers of fish with most of them being 8 to 13 inches.

The catch rates of adult Rock Bass have flattened out over the last 4 years from the decline they were on. It is still not known what has caused the decline in the population, but it has been seen in many rivers in the Southeast United States. Rock Bass are still available in numbers sufficient to provide good angling action. Seventy-Eight Rock Bass were collected during the sample ranging from 2 to 9 inches. Redbreast Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Musky provide great fishing prospects as well.

The Clinch River also has a Walleye population. Through recent and former genetic work, it has been found that the Walleye are a very pure strain of Highlands Walleye. Due to this confirmation, a good deal of work is being focused on keeping the fish pure. To do this, adult fish are being captured and taken to the hatchery to spawn. All adults and fry will be stocked back into the Clinch River.

Access on the Clinch River is great and just keeps getting better with the addition of land being added to the Clinch Mountain State Park. This River is one of the most accessible rivers in Southwest Virginia which leads to great fishing opportunities.

The Powell River continues to be a great option for fishermen in Southwest Virginia. Although rarely are fish over 17 inches caught, there are normally good numbers of 10-to-14-inch fish available. The Powell River was sampled in the Spring of 2025. One hundred and forty-three fish were collected at a catch rate of 45 fish/h. The population had 28% of the adults measuring 11 inches or longer and 9% exceeding 14 inches. No fish measuring 17 inches or greater were collected in the 2025 sample.

The Rock Bass population has been on a decline over the past several years. This trend is being seen in many rivers across Virginia and other states. The cause will need to be investigated further. However, there are still Rock Bass to catch. Ninety-four Rock Bass were caught at a catch rate of 30 fish/h. Redbreast Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Walleye, and Musky provide great fishing prospects as well.

Access on the Powell River is adequate with many public fords that cross the river and also some public land.

The North Fork Shenandoah is slowly rebounding after a few down years. It may not have the overall numbers of smallmouth that it once did 10 years ago, but a float trip on this river will not disappoint. During our 2025 spring raft sampling we collected 341 Smallmouth Bass at a rate of 59.4 fish per hour within three 6-mile floats located within the upper, middle, and lower sections of the North Fork (Figure 1). Our total catch rate increased slightly compared to our 2024 sample but remains below the long-term average of 66.2 bass per hour. Approximately 50% of the smallmouth were 11” or greater with 27% topping 14”.

A higher than normal amount of social media worthy fish were captured. 7% of the sample measured 17” plus. These are very high percentages of angler preferred size classes for the Shenandoah drainage. The number of quality and preferred sized fish continues to increase when compared to previous year’s samples (Figure 2).

In fact, the larger size categories (14”+ and 17”+) are at the highest catch rates since we started raft sampling in 2013. These quality bass are only showing up within the lower reaches, below the Woodstock Dam all the way to the confluence with the South Fork Shenandoah. The upper sections of the river are still struggling with overall numbers, especially quality fish. Fortunately, we did capture a fair number of juvenile bass (<7”) within all three sections ranging from 20-30 fish per hour. This is the best catch rate of juvenile fish since 2021 and will help improve the population in the coming years. However, to get the population back to where it was prior to the 2018 flood event, the North Fork will need several good spawns. Unfortunately, the high flows during May and June most likely prevented that from occurring.

In an effort to speed up the recovery, biologists and hatchery staff raised fingerling smallmouth bass at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station. This effort is part of a long-term smallmouth bass stocking project. Fortunately, the hatchery produced more fish than what was required for the study. A surplus of 41,694 fingerlings were stocked into the North Fork Shenandoah as a result. This was more than double the number stocked in 2024. The fish were spread out within four sections of the North Fork: New Market to Mount Jackson (16.81km), Seven Bends State Park to Artz Road (17.23km), Helsey Lane to Colby Lane (16km) and Deer Rapids to Long Meadow Road (21km). Hopefully survival of the fingerlings will be high and assist with the recovery of these sections of river. Biologists will replicate this stocking in 2026 if surplus bass are once again produced; and will cease stocking if the population makes a recovery, either through natural spawning or stocking efforts.

As for fishing in 2026, anglers should target the middle and lower reaches of the North Fork within the Woodstock, Edinburg, and Strasburg areas. Biologists observed good numbers of bass and the highest amount of quality fish within these sections.

The North Fork has more than just Smallmouth to offer our avid anglers. Fallfish are plentiful in some sections of the North Fork, can exceed 14 inches, and should not be overlooked. Anglers will also encounter fantastic numbers of Redbreast Sunfish in most areas. Our sample yielded the highest catch rate of all time at 142 sunfish per hour with 11% of the sample containing fish larger than 6” (Figure 3). Rock Bass numbers are low, but they can also be encountered near rocky habitat. Within the deeper pools, the opportunity to catch a quality-sized Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, or the occasional Musky is possible. Pool habitat is limited, so seek out deeper water when targeting these species.

VDWR periodically stocks fingerling-size musky on the North Fork Shenandoah River at 11 sites stretching from New Market to Strasburg. It was last stocked in 2025 with 355 fingerling musky (approximately 3-4”). There has been limited evidence of muskies reproducing naturally in the North Fork, therefore they must be stocked to sustain a fishery. Musky are stocked to add diversity to the fishery and provide a challenging trophy fish for anglers to target. Adult musky densities are not as high as some of the other rivers in the state due to the lack of consistent pool habitats. However, when you come across a pool on the North Fork, anglers have a marginal opportunity to encounter one.

If you plan a float trip on the North Fork Shenandoah; stick to spring and early summer, as low flows and dense vegetation can make fishing and navigation difficult later in the year.

The South Fork Shenandoah River is known by anglers as a “numbers” fishery, meaning anglers can expect to catch a reasonable number of bass and sunfish on any given day. During our 2025 fall sampling we collected 602 Smallmouth Bass from nine sample sites at a rate of 72.2 fish per hour (Figure 1). Approximately 31% were 11” or greater, 10% topped 14” and 3% measured 17” and up. Our catch rate declined slightly compared to the 2024 sample and is well below the long-term average. Overall, our sample yielded high numbers of 8-11” smallmouth, with a solid number of quality sized fish (> 11”). Although the overall catch rate has declined, fish exceeding 11” have remained consistent going back to 2008.

Our current catch rates would improve if we experienced an above average spawn in 2026. For the past three years we have had very low spawning success due to extreme weather conditions. Smallmouth juveniles have a hard time recruiting to the population when we have extreme high water during the spawn in spring, and / or extreme drought during the summer. Hopefully we will have more favorable weather in the coming year to help boost the population. Three years straight of poor spawning success is extremely rare for the South Fork. Anglers will no doubt notice a dip in catch rate over the coming years as a result.

During the spring, biologists and hatchery staff raised fingerling smallmouth bass at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station. This effort is part of a long-term smallmouth bass stocking project. A 16km study site was selected ranging from Newport dam to the Whitehouse boat landing. In 2025, 6,700 fingerling smallmouth were stocked and spread between 6 sites. Hopefully survival will be high and help bolster the poor year class experienced in 2025, within this section.

The South Fork has had its fair share of struggles over the years with fish health problems, but by large, the fishing on the Shenandoah should be good in 2026. Largemouth Bass also present excellent opportunities for anglers, as this river harbors a quality population. Finding 2-to-4-pound fish should not be difficult in deeper, slower sections when woody debris are targeted. Overall, 64.1% of our sample contained quality sized fish (>12”) with a majority falling into the 8-16” size range. The Shenandoah River is a sleeper largemouth fishery for quality bass. Although there has been a reduction in overall numbers of largemouth, anglers should notice a slight increase in 2026. Both overall numbers as well as quality fish have increased compared to the 2024 sample.

There is also the opportunity to catch Musky in the longer and deeper pools. VDWR periodically stocks fingerling-size musky in the South Fork Shenandoah River at 15 sites stretching from Port Republic to Front Royal. It was last stocked in 2024 with 2,983 fingerling musky (approximately 3-4”). There has been limited evidence of muskies reproducing naturally in the South Fork, therefore they must be stocked to sustain a fishery. Musky are stocked to add diversity to the fishery and provide a challenging trophy fish for anglers to target. However, biologists are currently very happy with the current population, so no muskies were stocked in the summer of 2025. Adult musky densities are not as high as some of the other rivers in the state due to the lack of consistent pool habitats. However, when you come across a pool on the South Fork, anglers have a good opportunity to encounter one.

Each winter our biologists and technicians sample the river specifically for musky. They sample 4 sites using three electrofishing boats. During the last sampling event in early 2025 they collected a total of 68 fish at a rate of 6.4 fish per hour, with a majority falling in the 33 – 42” range. After a few down years, consistent stocking has had a positive impact on the population. Anglers can expect a higher than average number of musky in 2026 with a slight increase in the number of fish in the 40”+ class. Musky grow fast in Virginia, with females reaching citation size (40”) in 5-6 years.

To learn how to fish for musky, please visit: dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/fish/muskellunge/

Another success story for the Shenandoah is the Sunfish population, specifically the Redbreast Sunfish. After a seven-year downturn in the population from 2014-2020, the population has rebounded nicely (Figure 2). For the past three years we have observed catch rates running above the long-term average, with 26% of our catch measuring >6” in length. Our catch was the highest ever recorded since we started sampling the South Fork, so anglers should have no trouble hooking high numbers of panfish. This is most likely a result of the decline of their main predator, the smallmouth bass. Sunfish anglers should take advantage during this population surge.

Channel Catfish in the 2-to-6-pound range are common, and anglers should concentrate on the lower South Fork when targeting them. Biologists sampled three sites this summer and captured 60 Channel Cats at a rate of 69.5 fish per hour. Seventeen percent of the catch measured >24”, while 3% exceeded 28” in length. This is typical for the South Fork. Anglers hunting for larger Channel Cats should choose the South Fork over the Main Stem or the North Fork Shenandoah. Unfortunately, biologists also collected Flathead Catfish below the Newport Dam. This is not the first time this has occurred, but it is the first time that spawning has been documented. As the flathead population expands it could have detrimental impacts on both native species and sportfish alike. Time will tell.

Don’t be surprised if you catch quality-sized Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Fallfish, or Black Crappie.

The Main Stem is on its way back! During our 2025 fall sampling we collected 233 Smallmouth Bass from three sites and observed a catch rate of 78 fish per hour. The river’s catch rate has trended upward for four years straight (Figure 1). A whopping 50% of the smallmouth were 11” or greater with 22% topping 14”. Five percent measured 17” plus. These are incredible numbers for the Shenandoah drainage. In fact, the catch rate of quality fish was the second highest all time! Anglers should take advantage of the high numbers of quality fish (>11”) currently in the system. The Main Stem suffers from inconsistent fish health issues much like the South Fork as well as low spawning success. However, the spawns from 2022 and 2023 were right on the long-term average of 12 fish per hour which helped improve our catch rates. Our 2024 and 2025 catch rate of young of the year were below the long term average, but a good number of juveniles remain in the system. This will bode well for the future of the fishery. Overall, we observed a good mix of size classes. Anglers can expect good numbers of pre slot fish running 8-11” in length, a benefit from the good spawn in 2023. There is also a variety of quality fish ranging from 11-16” plus. Quality fish numbers remain well above the long term average running at 33 fish per hour. Again, go fish the Main Stem, you will not be disappointed.

Anglers also have the opportunity to catch Musky in the longer deeper pools. VDWR periodically stocks fingerling-size musky on the Main Stem Shenandoah River at 8 sites stretching from Warren Dam to the route 7 bridge. This summer it was stocked with 768 fingerling musky (approximately 4”). There has been limited evidence of muskies reproducing naturally in the Main Stem, therefore they must be stocked to sustain a fishery. Adult musky densities are not as high as some of the other rivers in the state. However, when you come across a pool on the Main Stem, anglers have the chance of contacting one. Anglers should target pools within the upstream reaches of the Main Stem, closer to the Warren Dam.

In the spring of 2014, DWR began stocking Walleye fry in the Shenandoah River annually to supplement the natural population and increase the number of Walleye present. In the spring of 2025, the Main Stem received 15,381 walleye fry. Anglers should continue to experience steady catch rates and better numbers of big Walleye in 2026. During our January sample we captured 25 walleye at a rate of 9.2 fish per hour, which is right on the long term average. During the February / March spawning run biologists and technicians handled 72 fish (catch rate = 38 fish per hour). The walleye averaged 22 inches in length, with the largest female topping 27”. We continue to run into anglers who are turning on to this fishery, so plan a trip to the Shenandoah soon.

Sunfish are also a popular target for anglers on the Main Stem. From 2022-2024 we saw the population rebound nicely after an eight year downturn. Unfortunately, we did not have the same success with catching sunfish in 2025 (Figure 2). In fact, the catch rate was one of the lowest since we started sampling the Main Stem. It is very possible that the extremely low and clear water skewed the data, as fish can be very tricky to target under these conditions. However, with the smallmouth population on the rise and the flathead catfish population expanding, it could be that the predators are starting to have an impact. Anglers can expect a lower catch rate for sunfish in 2026, but the good news is there are some quality hand sized fish present. 38% of our sample topped 6”.

Unfortunately, Flathead catfish were accidentally or illegally introduced into the river. Biologists have discovered both adults and wild spawned individuals from Warren Dam to the Route 50 bridge. The flathead population continues to expand especially within the upper reaches of the Main Stem. Catch rates have increased from less than one fish per hour in 2021 when they were first discovered, to five per hour in 2024. Biologists will continue to monitor the population carefully in the coming years.

Channel Catfish are very common throughout the Main Stem Shenandoah. Biologists sampled four sites this fall and captured 455 Channel Cats at a rate of 120.1 fish per hour. The Main Stem is a numbers fishery for Channel Catfish. Expect most of your catch to measure 12-18” in length. Although there aren’t many trophies, new anglers will have a blast fishing for these sassy queens.

Don’t be surprised if you catch quality-sized Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Fallfish, or Black Crappie.

The Maury river is one of the most consistent rivers in the state in terms of Smallmouth Bass production. It is surveyed on a bi-annual basis with the last survey occuring in 2024. We experienced a small decline in catch rates last spring, but much of that can be attributed to the exceptionally low water conditions. Fish have a tendency to avoid capture when the water is clear and head for deeper water where they are out of our reach. Regardless, our catch rate was within the long term average (Figure 1). During our 2024 spring raft sampling we collected 659 Smallmouth Bass during three 6-mile float trips located within the upper (Alone Mill to Beans Bottom), middle (Jordan Point to Ben Salem Wayside), and lower (Glen Maury Park to Spiller Lock) sections of the Maury. Approximately 28% of the smallmouth were 11” or greater with 9% topping 14”. We caught low numbers of memorable fish with only 2% measuring 17” plus. Anglers should expect to catch good numbers of fish ranging from 7-13”. Compared to other rivers of similar size, the Maury tends to harbor higher numbers of quality sized fish, which are typically found within the lower reaches from Lexington to the mouth of the James. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of 11” plus fish we encountered within the upper sections. 27% of the sample of adult fish within the upper site contained fish over 11”, which is marked increase over the last time it was sampled.

The Maury has more than just Smallmouth to offer our avid anglers. Rock Bass and Redbreast Sunfish are extremely plentiful and should not be overlooked. Anglers can expect to catch more Rock Bass than Red Breast, as our sunfish ratio is typically 2:1 rock bass to redbreast sunfish. Both populations are very healthy with 20-40% of the sample containing 6”+ fish. The populations also rebounded slightly in 2024 after they experienced a slight decline in 2020 and 2022 (Figure 2).

The Maury is a very diverse fishery, which makes it very interesting to fish. You never know what you may hook into. A small self-sustaining population of Musky and Flathead Catfish are present from the Buena Vista dam downstream to the confluence, we also consistently collect a handful of trout each spring that wash down from various stocked trout waters. In 2025 anglers should expect to catch great numbers of sunfish and smallmouth with a better than average chance to hook into a quality bass throughout the various reaches of the Maury.

If you plan a float trip here; stick to spring and early summer, as low flows can make fishing and navigation difficult later in the year. Stay alert during your float as several class 1 and 2 rapids will be encountered, especially near old lock and dam infrastructure.

The Cowpasture River is one of the most scenic rivers within the western part of the Commonwealth. When water levels moderate, anglers can expect to catch a diverse assemblage of fish. During the fall of 2026 biologists sampled four sites collecting 22 species, which included Bass, Sunfish, Suckers, Minnows, Catfish, Darters, Trout, Musky, and Catfish.

The Smallmouth population is struggling, but improving slightly within certain sections. Similar to the James River, it has suffered from poor spawning for a number of years. As a result, very few quality fish (fish > 11”) are present within the system (Figure 1). Of the 180 bass collected 11% of the smallmouth were 11” or greater with 1% exceeding 14”. No bass greater than 15” were captured. Anglers should catch a slightly improved number of fish ranging from 7-10” as a result of the good spawn in 2024. To improve your catch, target only the areas with deep water containing quality structure like sunken logs and boulder outcrops. The Cowpasture desperately needs a few years of above average spawning success. Unfortunately, due to the high flow events in the spring, 2025 was another down year for the spawn. The spawn wasn’t a complete bust, but low numbers of baby smallmouth were collected. The boom year class of 2024 will continue to grow next spring through summer, and if these juveniles survive to adulthood, the fishing should pick up within the next few years. Keep in mind, bass grow slow in the Cowpasture. It takes at least 5 years to grow a fish over 11”, so anglers will have to be patient.

To speed up the recovery, biologists and hatchery staff raised fingerling smallmouth bass at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station. This effort is part of a long-term smallmouth bass stocking project. Fortunately, the hatchery produced more fish than what was required for the study. A surplus of 21,500 fingerlings were stocked into the Cowpasture as a result. The fish were spread between seven sites from the Walton Tract landing to Evans Tract boat ramp. Hopefully survival of the fingerlings will be high and assist with the recovery of these sections of river. Biologists will replicate this stocking in 2026 if surplus bass are once again produced; and will cease stocking if the population makes a recovery, either through natural spawning or stocking efforts.

The Cowpasture has more than just Smallmouth to offer our avid anglers. Rock Bass and Redbreast Sunfish are extremely plentiful and should not be overlooked. Both populations are very healthy with 8-9% of the sample containing 6”+ fish. (Figure 2). The Rock Bass and Redbreast Sunfish populations were dead even this year with catch rates exceeding 100 fish per hour. A crayfish imitation on the end of your line has no chance.

A small self-sustaining population of Musky are present from the Millboro dam downstream to the confluence with the James. Three were captured during our surveys measuring just over 35”
in length. Anglers should target late April through May when the flows are higher and some of the James River musky venture into the Cowpasture to spawn. If you are lucky, you will encounter one of our native Esocids, the Chain Pickerel.

Within the upper watershed anglers can also expect to catch trout within the Put and Take stocked trout section located just downstream of the DWR Coursey Springs Fish Cultural Station. These trout tend to swim downstream, so anglers on float trips may be lucky enough to encounter one during an early spring float trip.

Fallfish should also provide anglers with a sharp tug on the end of their line. These large minnows often reach lengths greater than 14” in length. In fact, the state record fallfish have been caught a number of times out of the Cowpasture.