2025 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 increased in 2024 compared to previous years. Above-average spawns in 2021 and 2023 have resulted in better numbers of smallmouth bass, ranging 7 to 10 inches. In fall 2024, 1,504 smallmouth bass were collected using electrofishing gear with approximately 60 percent of those bass considered “catchable size”—measuring 7 inches or greater. The 2024 spawn appears to be above average based on the catch of juvenile smallmouth bass approximately 5 inches or less.

Anglers can expect to see some fish larger than 14 inches as they continue to persist from year classes six to 10 years ago. Approximately 20 percent 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 three of the last four years, which should yield better numbers of catchable sized smallmouth bass over the next few years. More consistent spawning in the future is needed to bring the smallmouth bass abundance up to 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 700 sunfish were collected in 2024, with most fish ranging from 3 to 7 inches in length. Rock bass were most abundant followed by 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 riverwide.

Smallmouth bass numbers in the middle James River (Bent Creek to Watkin’s Landing) have declined in recent years. Fall 2024 electrofishing samples revealed modest signs of improvement. A total of 616 smallmouth bass were collected in 2024, with 86 percent of those fish measuring less than 12 inches. Fall 2024 samples revealed fair numbers of 1-year old smallmouth bass, approximately 5-6 inches in length. These fish will reach catchable size in 2025 and should provide anglers some action throughout the middle river over the next several years. Low smallmouth bass abundances appear to have increased growth rates. The fish that remain in the middle river are growing very quickly and should provide modest opportunities to catch quality fish in the years to come.

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 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, but abundance has remained low since that time.

Smallmouth bass spring electrofishing catch rates of fish less than 11 inches were well above 2023 findings, whereas catch rates for fish greater than 11 inches remained fairly consistent with 2023 results. Anglers should expect to see high catch rates for fish 12+ inches in the next few years thanks to some strong year classes moving through the system.

If you’re looking to catch good numbers of fish, try fishing areas above Fries Dam such as; Baywood, Independence, Fries, Old Town. Looking to target larger fish >17 inches or trophy catches, head to Oldtown or Baywood above Fries and Shot Tower down through Allisonia below Fries. Anglers looking for other opportunities should target sunfish or rock bass from Mouth of Wilson to Fries Dam. Catfish, both flatheads and channels can be found in plentiful numbers in any of the slower moving pool areas along the upper New River.

The Lower New River smallmouth bass population is off the rails. DWR biologists were able to conduct electrofishing surveys both before and after hurricane Helene and detected a robust smallmouth population throughout the river. Fish from the strong 2021- and 2022-year classes should begin entering the 12-inch range. Additionally, fish from the prevalent 2016-year class should be approaching 18 inches, creating some memorable catches for anglers. Biologists also reported seeing high numbers of small fish (less than 3 inches) indicating a strong 2024 year class.

Fall EF Smallmouth Bass catch rates by site below Claytor Dam. The top graph depicts surveys conducted pre-Hurricane Helene while the lower graph depicts surveys completed approximately 1 month post hurricane.

Anglers looking to catch a musky on the lower New River in 2025 should have a good chance of landing one. Annual sampling efforts in 2024 show the continued presence of fish from the strong 2021 spawning year-class. During the 2024 sample, these fish were Age-3 and were about 28-32 inches in length. Previous sampling efforts in 2023 also revealed a relatively strong cohort produced in 2022. At the time of the 2024 sample these juvenile muskies measured about 25-28 inches in length. There are still good numbers of larger adult musky available for anglers to target, although the numbers of larger fish have been decreasing as older fish continue to age out. Preliminary results from sampling in 2025 show that fish from the 2021 year-class are now in the 35+ inch length range and will provide anglers the opportunity to catch larger fish as they grow and mature in the system.

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.

Length frequency graph of fish collected via 2024 Fall electrofishing surveys on the Lower New River. The first peak indicates good numbers of fish from the 2024-year class both before and after Hurricane Helene.

Fall EF Smallmouth Bass catch rates by site below Claytor Dam. The top graph depicts surveys conducted pre–Hurricane Helene while the lower graph depicts surveys completed approximately 1 month post-hurricane.

Winter electrofishing LFQ of Musky from the Lower New River in 2024. Dashed lines represent fish within the protected slot limit of 40-48”.

The North Fork Shenandoah is down, but not completely out. It may not have the overall numbers of smallmouth that it once did a few years ago, but a float trip on this river will not disappoint. During our 2024 spring raft sampling, we collected 318 smallmouth bass at a rate of 52.7 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 2023 sample, but remains below the long-term average of 66.8 bass per hour. Approximately 45 percent of the smallmouth were 11 inches or greater, with 20 percent topping 14 inches. Typical of the North Fork, only 2 percent of the sample measured 17 inches-plus. Our sample was slightly biased due to low clear water. Our netters observed numerous quality fish running from the raft escaping capture. The number of quality and preferred sized fish continues to increase when compared to previous year’s samples (Figure 2). However, overall numbers are below average, frustrating both biologists and anglers alike. Unfortunately, we continue to experience poor spawning success within the North Fork, which is causing a lag in the population’s recovery. In 2018, the North Fork Shenandoah experienced long-term record flooding, which appears to have had a negative impact on the fish community (see the steep drop in overall catch rate in figure 1 during the 2019 sample). Certain segments of the population continue to struggle to recover from this event.

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. Fortunately, the hatchery produced more fish than what was required for the study. A surplus of 19,102 fingerlings were stocked into the North Fork Shenandoah as a result. The fish were spread out within four sections of the North Fork: New Market to Mount Jackson (16.81 km), Seven Bends State Park to Artz Road (17.23  km), Helsey Lane to Colby Lane (16 km) and Deer Rapids to Long Meadow Road (21 km). Each bass was marked using oxytetracycline to help biologists determine the percentage of stocked fish that recruit to the population. Hopefully survival will be high and assist with the recovery of these sections of river. Biologists will replicate this stocking in 2025 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 2025, anglers should target the middle and lower reaches of the North Fork within the Woodstock, Edinburg, and Strasburg areas. Biologists observed good overall numbers 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 should also encounter fantastic numbers of redbreast sunfish in most areas. Our sample yielded the third highest catch rate within the last ten years and 23 percent of the sample contained fish larger than 6 inches (Figure 3). 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.

DWR 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 2024 with 448 fingerling musky (approximately 3–4 inches). 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 Norh 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 Main Stem is on its way back! During our 2024 fall sampling, we collected 230 smallmouth bass from three sites and observed a catch rate of 71.1 fish per hour. The river’s catch rate has trended upward for three years straight (Figure 1). About 37 percent of the smallmouth were 11 inches of greater, with 20 percent topping 14 inches. Five percent measured 17+ inches. The Main Stem suffers from inconsistent fish health issues much like the South Fork, as well as low spawning success. However, the spawn from 2022 and 2023 were right on the long-term average of 12 fish per hour which helped improve our catch rates. Our 2024 catch rate of young of the year was 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 albeit at low numbers. Anglers can expect good numbers of pre slot fish running 8-11 inches in length, a benefit from the good spawn in 2022. There is also a variety of quality fish ranging from 14-18+ inches. Quality fish numbers remain above the long-term average running at 16 fish per hour.

Anglers also have the opportunity to catch musky in the longer deeper pools. DWR periodically stocks fingerling-size musky on the Main Stem Shenandoah River at eight sites stretching from Warren Dam to the Route 7 bridge. This summer it was stocked with 1,639 fingerling musky (approximately 4 inches). 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.

The walleye have arrived. 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 2024, the Main Stem received 20,023 walleye fry. Anglers should continue to experience steady catch rates and better numbers of big walleye in 2025. During our January sample we captured 41 walleyes at a rate of 11.7 fish per hour, which is right on the long-term average. During the February spawning run biologists and technicians handled 54 fish (catch rate = 37.8 fish per hour). The walleye averaged 21 inches in length, with the largest female topping 30 inches. Most fish sampled were of legal harvest size or greater. We continue to run into anglers who are turning on to this fishery, so plan a trip to the Shenandoah soon.

Another success story for the Shenandoah is the sunfish population, specifically the redbreast sunfish. After an eight-year downturn in the population from 2013–2021, the population has rebounded nicely (Figure 2). For the past three years we have seen catch rates running above the long-term average, and these aren’t dinks either, 76 percent of our catch measured >6 inches in length. A lure mimicking a crayfish doesn’t stand a chance in this river.

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 four per hour in 2024. Biologists will continue to monitor the population carefully in the coming years.

Channel catfish in the 2-to-6-pound range are very common throughout the Main Stem Shenandoah. Don’t be surprised if you catch quality-sized rock bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill, green sunfish, fallfish, or black crappie.

The South Fork Shenandoah River is known by anglers as a “numbers” fishery, meaning anglers can expect to catch a reasonable amount of bass and sunfish on any given day. During our 2024 fall sampling we collected 710 smallmouth bass from nine sample sites at a rate of 85 fish per hour (Figure 1). Approximately 26 percent were 11 inches or greater, 6 percent topped 14 inches and 1 percent measured 17 inches and up. Our catch rate was nearly identical to the 2023 sample and down slightly from the long-term average. Despite the recent dip in catch rate, the population looks favorable, with good numbers of quality fish. Overall, our sample yielded high numbers of 8-11 inch smallmouth, a direct result of an above-average spawn in 2021. This is pretty typical for the South Fork, fantastic catch rates with lower numbers of quality-sized fish. Our current catch rates would improve if we experienced an above average spawn in 2025. For the past two years we have had very low spawning success due to drought conditions. Smallmouth juveniles have a hard time recruiting to the population when we have extreme high water during the spawn in spring, or extreme drought during the summer. Hopefully we will have more favorable weather in the coming year to help boost the population.

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 2024, 6,700 fingerling smallmouth were stocked and spread between 6 sites. Each bass was marked using oxytetracycline to help biologists determine the percentage of stocked fish that recruit to the population. Hopefully survival will be high and help bolster the poor year class experienced in 2024.

The South Fork has had its fair share of struggles over the years with fish health problems, but by in large the fishing on the Shenandoah should be excellent in 2025.

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, 60.2 percent of our sample contained quality sized fish (>12 inches) with a majority falling into the 10-16 inch 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 see a slight increase in the number of 15-20” bass in the coming years.

There is also the opportunity to catch musky in the longer and deeper pools. DWR periodically stocks fingerling-size musky on 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 inches). 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. 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 come into contact with one.

Each winter our biologists and technicians sample the river specifically for musky. They sample four sites using three electrofishing boats.

During the last sampling event in early 2024, they collected a total of 49 fish at a rate of 4.9 fish per hour, with a majority falling in the 30 – 38 inch range. After a few down years, consistent stocking has had a positive impact on the population. Anglers can expect the number of fish in the 40+ inch class to increase in the coming years. Musky grow fast in Virginia, with females reaching citation size (40 inches) in five to six years.

To learn how to fish for musky, please visit the DWR website.

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 21 percentof our catch measuring >6 inches in length. Our catch was the second-highest since we started sampling the South Fork, so anglers should have no trouble hooking high numbers of panfish.

Channel catfish in the 2-to-6-pound range are common, and anglers should concentrate on the lower South Fork when targeting them. 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. We experienced a small decline in catch rate this 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 percent of the smallmouth were 11 inches or greater with 9 percent topping 14 inches. We caught low numbers of memorable fish with only 2 percent measuring 17+ inches. Anglers should expect to catch good numbers of fish ranging from 7-13 inches. 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+ inches fish we encountered within the upper sections. Within the upper site, 27 percent of the sample of adult fish contained fish over 11 inches, which is a 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 redbreast, as our sunfish ratio is typically 2:1 rock bass to redbreast sunfish. Both populations are very healthy with 20-40 percent of the sample containing 6+ inch 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 2024 biologists sampled four sites collecting 20 species. The smallmouth population is struggling. 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 inches) are present within the system (Figure 1).

Of the 257 bass collected only 4 percent of the smallmouth were 11 inches or greater, with zero exceeding 14 inches. Anglers should expect low numbers of fish ranging from 7–10 inches. To improve your catch, target only the areas with deep water containing quality structure like sunken logs and boulder outcrops. Despite the low numbers of catchable-sized fish, there is some good news. The Cowpasture finally experienced an above-average spawn. Some 80 percent of the bass sampled were considered juvenile fish. So, the fishing will be slow for a year or two, but 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 five years to grow a fish over 11 inches, so anglers will have to be patient.

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 7–8% of the sample containing 6”+ fish. (Figure 2).

A small self-sustaining population of musky are present from the Millboro dam downstream to the confluence with the James. 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.

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 (see chart below). 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.

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

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 percent. 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 percent 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.

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.