Are the shad running in the James River?
The shad are here! This time of year marks an amazing transformation to the James River, as hickory and American shad, as well as herring, stack up below the fall line in Richmond on their annual spawning runs. And one shouldn’t overlook the striped bass that come along with them.
Are shad still running?
California’s shad runs generally start in early to mid-April and last through at least June. The season really hits its stride in May, with some of the best fishing being mid-May through mid-June. Some years have truly epic runs that last through July.
What fish are biting now in the James River?
Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and large mouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass).
Where is shad in Virginia?
Best Fishing Rivers: James (Richmond fall line area), Mattaponi, Pamunkey. (It is now illegal for any person to have river herring in their possession, including blueback herring and alewife. For more information about this regulation, see the VMRC website.)
What kind of shad are in the James River?
hickory shad
The James River’s hickory shad fishing is world class for both fly and spin anglers. In the spring, hickory shad gather in the heart of downtown Richmond, at the fall line, during their annual spawning run.
Where can I fish for shad?
Fish for shad in coastal rivers.
- In the Western US, the Colombia and Sacramento rivers are the best places to fish shad.
- In the Eastern US, the best place to find shad is in the Connecticut river. However, shad can be found in rivers as far south as Florida.
Where are the shad now?
American shad can now be found from Cook Inlet in Alaska southward to Baja California in Mexico. They can also be found along the Kamchatka Peninsula. HABITAT: Adult American Shad spend the majority of their lives in the ocean.
Where can I catch shad?
Shad are easier to catch on warm days, locations would be the backs of coves and creeks where the water has been warmed by the sun all day. Look for stained water since shad will rarely be in clear shallow water and even if they are there they are very hard to get a net on.
What fish are in season in the James River?
While the Smallmouth bass is the dominant game species in the river, spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flat head catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass).
Is fishing good in the James River?
Overall, the James River offers an excellent fishing opportunity for whatever you might want. Canoeing is the best way to access the river, maps and narration for float trips are found under Maps & Access. Small boats (such as john boats) can also be used at most access points.
Can you keep shad in VA?
The benefit of fishing there is you can keep a hickory shad or two for dinner. In Virginia rivers, as in Maryland and the District, it’s illegal to keep the larger American shad, but hickories are fair game with no daily creel limit in the Old Dominion.
Where can I fish for shad in Virginia?
Best Fishing Rivers: Rappahannock (fall line area in Fredericksburg), James (Richmond fall line area), Appomattox, Chickahominy (below Walker’s Dam), Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and Nottoway. (It is now illegal for any person to have river herring in their possession, including blueback herring and alewife.
Is there a fishing report for the James River?
A detailed fishing report for the James River will make the difference between a good fishing here and a bad one. Let’s face it, there’s a lot we can learn and share from one another like what bait or lure is generating the best results.
Where did the Shad Cam spawn in the James River?
In the James River, these species were known to spawn as far upstream as Eagle Rock until two sets of dams, in Lynchburg and Richmond, cut off over 400 miles of the river and tributaries.
When was the James River fishway built?
In 1999, a fishway was constructed at Bosher’s Dam, providing fish with access to 137 miles of the James River and 168 miles of its tributaries for the first time in nearly 200 years. A camera at the fishway provides visitors a peek into this incredible journey as the fish return to spawn in the spring. Keep an eye out for…
When does the Shad Cam start in Virginia?
The Shad Cam will be active from late March through early June. Over the past 35 years, populations of American shad, hickory shad, alewife, blueback herring, striped bass, and other anadromous fish species have steadily declined in Virginia.