Fishing may not be the first activity you think of when it comes to the river. But like kayaking, rafting, or even lounging on the rocks, the James provides many opportunities to get involved in the sport.
We talked to some local fishing experts to learn more about the James as a fishing resource, fishing communities in Richmond, and how beginners can get involved.
⭐️ Why the James is special
Richmond was founded on the fall line of the James River, the geographical boundary between the Piedmont to the west and coastal plains to the east. Flowing east, the river drops in elevation and flattens out at the fall line, which is located at 14th Street. Because of that, there’s an abundance of fish just steps from downtown.
Alex McCrickard, Aquatic Education Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, shared his thoughts on what makes fishing on the James unique.
“There is a thriving aquatic ecosystem with so many opportunities, so many different species of fish to target,” McCrickard said. “I think that’s the biggest shock to new anglers — not only can you catch fish in Richmond, you can catch a lot of different types of fish.”
Andrew Knight founded RVA James River Fishing Report to get Richmonders and visitors excited about fishing on the James. Even for novices, fishing can be a great excuse to get outside and develop an appreciation of the river.
“The river, especially in the summer months, is below four feet a lot,” Knight said. “You can walk all the way across. There’s so many rocks and unique little sections of shallow water that it’s really cool to explore.”
The Fishing Report’s website has spot guides for popular fishing areas which include parking and kayak/canoe launching information.
Get more info on species you might see and local resources at the button below.
“Do The Right Thing” | Wednesday, June 7 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | Spike Lee directs and stars in this 1989 Oscar-nominated film.
Thursday, June 8
“The Prom” | Thursday, Jun. 8, Sunday, June 11 | Times vary | Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave., Richmond | $20-$25 | Four aging Broadway actors travel to Indiana in this musical production featuring local teens and young adults.
Friday, June 9
Friday Cheers: Watchhouse | Friday, June 9 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Brown’s Island, S. 9th St., Richmond | $10-$15 | Head to the island for this folk duo and local openers Palmyra.
Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve | Friday, June 9 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | The first 1,000 fans ages 15 and up will go home with an Ardillas Voladoras sugar skull bobblehead.
Saturday, June 10
Celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month | Saturday, June 10 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dogwood Dell, 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | This party is part of the city’s free Festival of Arts.
Vegan Ice Cream Bike Crawl | Saturday, June 10 | 12 p.m. | VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Join Vegan Action and Casual Encounters RVA for scoops at several spots.
Torch Lit Night Walk Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans | Saturday, June 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Manchester Dock, 139 Virginia St., Richmond | Free | Begin your observance of Juneteenth with a guided walk featuring interpreters from Elegba Folklore Society.
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Seven people were shot and two were killed in a shooting at the Altria Theater yesterday evening following the graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School. Several others were injured during the event. Richmond Public Schools canceled classes today and will reschedule graduations for other schools. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Development
A DC-based developer is planning a $133 million project in Scott’s Addition on the 2.4 block bordered by West Moore and Norfolk Streets and Mactavish and Highpoint Avenues. It’ll include apartments, retail space, and event space. (Richmond BizSense)
Open
The owners of The Jasper in Carytown have opened a new bar in Church Hill. Emerald Lounge serves up tropical cocktails and a limited menu of snacks like togarishi popcorn, wings, and shrimp ceviche. Stop by Wednesdays-Sundays from 5 p.m.-12 a.m. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Announced
The Richmond Symphony has unveiled its 2023-24 season, which begins in September with a concert featuring the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight. Other season highlights include a collaboration with the Richmond Ballet, free community concerts, and a celebration of the 100th birthday of “Rhapsody in Blue.” Subscriptions are on sale.
Opening
You can shop PopUp RVA at The Park starting this Sunday, June 11. The new market will take place each Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with 30+ vendors, duckpin bowling, mini golf, and brunch. Bonus: It’s free to attend.
Outdoors
If you see someone taking water samples by the river, they may be on the James River Watch volunteer team. The James River Association has been organizing the seasonal water quality monitoring program since 2013. Get weekly water quality updates online.
Drink
The SugarBelt Mead Festival is making a bee line for Richmond on Saturday, Oct. 12. Hosted by Funktastic Meads and The Answer Brewpub, the festival will take place at the latter’s 6008 W. Broad St. location. General admission, designated driver, and VIP tickets are on sale now.
Festival
The Richmond Folk Festival shared eight of the artists who will take the stage on the riverfront the weekend of October 13-15. The lineup includes local salsa group Bio Ritmo, Chicago blues artist Melody Angel, and traditional Hawai’ian hula from Hālau ‘O Lilinoe.
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Wellness
RVA Counseling is growing. To better serve the Richmond community’s mental health needs, RVA Counseling is moving to a new, larger office on July 1. Learn more + schedule an appointment.*
For Family
Hey, moms + dads — we know having kids can impact your savings. This card is extra helpful to on-the-go families, offering 2% flat-rate cash rewards and a generous welcome bonus. Learn more.*
Shop
Need to find your dad the perfect Father’s Day gift? You’re in luck. Check out gifts from our online store (Six & Main) that will make for a great surprise. From the outdoor explorer to the foodie dad, there’s a present for every type of father. Shop now.
Francine can frequently be found lounging atop boxes. | Photo via r/rva
In the five years since Francine the calico cat made her home at the Lowe’s at Broad and Lombardy, she’s become something of a Richmond icon. Reader Elizabeth H. reached out to ask about her origin story as part of our new series, Richmond Mysteries.
Francine’s illustrious career at the home improvement store began around 2018. Looking for warmth and possessing a talent for hunting mice, Francine then formed a bond with employee Eric Nelson. The staff began feeding her and she started getting more comfortable, gradually becoming the expert Garden Center napper Richmonders know and love today.
Have a burning question about the 804? Submit your Richmond mystery and we’ll see if we can drum up an answer. Click the button below to read our first entry and find out the reason behind a popular misspelling.
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