Achigan à grande bouche
Map of a subset of bass sampling sites in fall 2026. Green sites had the highest catch rates, red the lowest, yellow intermediate.
Largemouth bass populations in the tidal James and Chickahominy rivers remain strong. A cool, rainy spring kept water temperatures lower than average heading into summer, followed by a very dry, warm fall. The heavy flows and numerous storms of spring and early summer may have impacted recruitment, leading to lower juvenile abundances (Figure 2). While not ideal, it is normal to have good and bad years- poor recruitment in 2025 is not expected to negatively impact population health going forward. A dry fall meant salinity levels were higher than average in the James River above Weyanoke Point and Chickahominy river up to the Thoroughfare- including tributaries. Higher salinity drove bass further upriver to seek out freshwater. As a result, DWR Biologists predominantly saw smaller bass in downstream habitats and only saw larger bass higher up in the systems (Figure 1). In the Chickahominy, 1-3 lb. bass dominated the catch at downstream sites, in both the mainstem and tributaries; while larger bass in the 5-9 lb. range were caught high in tributaries and above the Thoroughfare. There are plenty of opportunities to catch 5-6 lb. bass, with the potential to land bigger fish over 8 lbs. In the James, the highest catch rates and largest bass were caught in Herring and Queens creeks. Smaller creeks, like Queens, Flowerdew Hundred, and Kittewan creeks have abundant, high-quality habitat. Despite their smaller channels, they support healthy populations and offer opportunities to catch trophy bass.
In tidal rivers, weather has an outsized impact on fish behavior, because of its relationship with salinity. The long-range forecast for coastal Virginia is predicting warmer temperatures and less rain from spring to early fall 2026. Heading into spring, bass are more likely to be found along grass and spatterdock edges in 2-3 ft of water as they get ready to spawn. As water temperatures warm, fish will move into shoreline habitats with woody structure near channel drop-offs. Fallen trees, submerged logs and stumps, and creek mouths are good places to target larger fish. If you’re not having luck in your usual spots, salinity might be the culprit. If it hasn’t rained in a while, try moving further upstream into fresher water—especially if you can follow an outgoing tide.
Figure 2. Adult (red) and juvenile (blue) largemouth bass catch rates in the James and Chickahominy rivers since 2010. Catch rate is calculated as the number of fish collected per hour of sampling. Sampling is conducted via boat electrofishing every fall. DWR’s sampling design was changed in 2021 to better assess bass population health long-term. Significant changes in catch rates beginning in 2021 reflect that change, not a sudden change in population health.
Contrôle & Gestion
Rivière York
Fall 2025 sampling in the Pamunkey and Mattaponi rivers was limited due to a combination of high salinity at downstream sample sites and observations of Atlantic sturgeon at upstream sample sites. Both rivers will be sampled more heavily in fall 2026 and opportunistically sampled in spring/early summer.
Espèces envahissantes
Alabama bass continue to be a significant threat to largemouth bass in the tidal James and Chickahominy rivers; as well as smallmouth bass in the James River above the fall line. In states where Alabama bass have been introduced, they have outcompeted largemouth bass and hybridized with smallmouth bass causing declines in both populations. In the tidewater region, Alabama bass have been found in Diascund Reservoir and the Chickahominy and James rivers. Alabama bass look similar to largemouth bass but can be identified by a few key features. Alabama bass have smaller jaws that extend to the middle of the eye, whereas largemouth bass have jaws that extend past the eye. Alabama bass also have a tooth patch on their tongue and distinct coloration. Anglers who think they have caught an Alabama bass are encouraged to take a photo and a small clipping of the pelvic fin (stored in a dry envelope) and contact DWR with information on where the fish was caught. DWR is sampling regularly to stop the spread of these invaders but help from anglers is critical.
Poisson-chat bleu
Virginia’s tidal rivers continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities for blue catfish, despite changing population size structure. As blue catfish populations increased and fish were forced to compete with each other for food, the number of smaller fish increased relative to large fish. This has led to a decrease in trophy-sized fish over the past 10 years. Following peak blue catfish abundance around 2011, the population has steadily declined and shifted towards smaller fish. While this has made it more difficult to locate fish larger than 50 lbs, there are still opportunities to catch big fish in areas with less commercial and recreational fishing pressure. Both York tributaries and the Rappahannock River support trophy-sized catfish, though they’re not as consistent as the James and Chickahominy Rivers.
Blue catfish start their spawning migrations in the spring when water temperatures reach between 46 – 50° F. Fishing around creek mouths is a good option when these fish are on the move. As water temperatures increase following the spawn, they will form dense aggregations in deep water so look for deep holes and drop-offs, preferably with structure in creek bends and main stem river.
Advisories
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission regulates the blue catfish commercial fishery (VMRC). Any questions regarding the commercial fishery should be directed towards VMRC, contact information can be found at www.mrc.virginia.gov.
The Virginia Department of Health has issued consumption advisories for Blue Catfish in tidal rivers. In the York and Rappahannock Rivers and tributaries, it is advised to limit consumption of blue catfish to 2 meals per month. In the James River and its tributaries, it is advised to limit consumption to 2 meals per month and not to eat any blue catfish larger than 32”. More information on fish consumption advisories across Virginia waters is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/fish-consumption-advisory.
Contrôle & Gestion
Blue catfish are not native to Virginia and were stocked in tidal waters beginning in the 1970s. Their salinity tolerance and opportunistic feeding has helped them spread throughout Chesapeake Bay watersheds. Ongoing research projects seek to assess movement and abundance and study impacts on Virginia’s native fishes.
Monitoring
DWR samples blue catfish in the James, Chickahominy, York, Rappahannock, and Piankatank Rivers on a biannual, rotating schedule using low-frequency boat electrofishing. In 2025, the Rappahannock, Pamunkey, and Mattaponi rivers were sampled; the James, Chickahominy, and Piankatank rivers will be sampled in 2026. These data are used to detect trends in blue catfish populations, monitor size structure, and contribute to research throughout the region.
Movement Study
In fall 2021, DWR started a tracking study that aims to identify seasonal patterns of movement and aggregation areas of blue catfish in the James River system. DWR Biologists have surgically implanted acoustic tags into 90 blue catfish to date. Tagged blue catfish also received a red dart tag so anglers will be able to identify fish that are part of the study. If caught and kept, please call DWR at the number listed on the tag (804-829-6580) to report the catch and return the acoustic tag so that it may be placed in another fish.
The area between Tar Bay and Weyanoke Point consistently had the highest density of blue catfish across all seasons. Most tagged fish (size range 16 – 45 inches) spent the winter months in the vicinity of Weyanoke and Coggins Points upstream or near the mouth of Upper Chippokes Creek further downstream. In dry weather, salinity increases further upstream in rivers and tributaries. Although blue catfish have a limited salinity tolerance, they prefer to aggregate in freshwater. The long-range forecast for coastal Virginia is predicting a dry summer and fall- if you’re not having luck in your favorite spots, try moving further upstream into fresher water.
If you have any questions or concerns about this project, or just want to learn more about DWR’s blue catfish management, please contact us at the number below.
Prévisions de pêche par rivière
Rivière Potomac à marée
Virginia tidal Potomac River tributaries south of Washington D. C. to Stafford County should provide excellent Largemouth Bass fishing in 2026. Adult bass catch rates in electrofishing surveys conducted in April and May 2025 were the highest documented since standardized surveys began 21 years ago. Bass reproduction in the past decade has been above average with good recruitment years far outpacing poor ones. Look for fish on large woody debris on high tides before vegetation emerges and on Spatterdock bed edges later in spring. Spatterdock flats outside creek mouths feeding the lower Occoquan (Belmont Bay) hold stunning numbers of bass in April and May. Snakehead fishing should be average in Aquia but below average in many other northern creeks below DC, as numbers seem to have stabilized at lower abundance. Snakeheads are often easier to locate early in the season before aquatic vegetation emerges. Target flooded wetland vegetation and natural wood and docks on flood tides before spatterdock emerges, and then fish spatterdock edges at low tide before prior to SAV emergence. Once SAV is established, snakeheads can be found in any patch, especially Hydrilla.
Tidal Rappahannock River
(Above Fredericksburg)
Fishing for Smallmouth Bass on the upper Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers (above Fredericksburg) in 2026 should be like last year. Like most rivers in eastern and central Virginia, high water during late spring in many recent has resulted in poor spawning success, and consequently Smallmouth Bass abundance has been depressed since 2020. The Largemouth Bass population has been expanding, and their numbers are strong on slower stretches especially where SAV is present. Snakeheads can be found in these same slower, vegetated habitats; so weedless baits (soft plastics in spring, and topwater in summer) are a good choice. Look for snakeheads to stack up below Rapidan Mill Dam in mid-April through early May before they drop back from their pre-spawn migration. The rivers are full of perfect eating-size Channel Catfish which have colonized the upper watershed since Embrey Dam came down. Yellow Perch, White Perch and Striped Bass can now also be found far above Fredericksburg with migration barriers gone.
(Fredericksburg to Port Royal)
Fishing for Largemouth Bass and Northern Snakehead should be excellent in 2026 in the tidal Rappahannock between Fredericksburg and Port Royal. This area of the river had an abundance of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in recent years which likely fueled multiple successful spawns and resulted in above average catch rates of bass and snakeheads which look likely to continue. Adult bass catch rates in five of the past six years were the highest recorded in a quarter-century of surveys, and juvenile production was again above average in 2025, adding to seven strong years of recruitment over the past nine seasons. A record spawn was recorded in 2023. Target bass in creek mouths on outgoing tides and, of course, edges (and even inside) of thick mats of vegetation. Bass can also be found in large woody debris near channel edges, especially on lower tides. Snakehead abundance was like 2024 after dropping for two years after hitting a peak in 2022, but catch rates were still higher here than in most upper, tidal Potomac River tributaries. Look for snakes on the bank side (inside) of vegetation strips in very shallow water (sometimes inches deep).
(Below Port Royal)
The tributaries of the Tidal Rappahannock River from Port Royal down to Totuskey Creek provide a wealth of habitat for a variety of fish species. The Rappahannock River experienced high salinity levels during October of 2025 from the extended dry weather that hit the region. Lower end sites within Occupacia, Totuskey, and Cat Point Creeks were not sampled due to the high salinity levels. The 2025 survey consisted of 25 shoreline sites to get a representative assessment of the various fish populations. The electrofishing surveys of the fall 2025 collected 37 fish species with a total of 1,797 fish. This total catch showed a decline in action from the 2024 survey which boated 2,836 fish from 33 species.
Anglers targeting Largemouth Bass east of Port Royal will find a decent abundance of fish in and around the dense mats of hydrilla growth. Some of the better sites for bass in 2025 were the northern shore just west of Wilmont Landing, the hydrilla flats east of Port Royal, and the north shore west of Gingoteague Creek. The spatterdock pad fields on the southern shoreline across from Wilmont Boat Landing are always an attractive place to find bass. The 2025 surveys yielded a combined total of 196 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 28 bass/hr. This catch rate showed an increase from 2024 (n = 174; 24 bass/hr.). The 2025 survey did not yield many larger-sized bass with a max weight of 5.2 pounds. The survey years of 2022 and 2023 revealed consistent bass recruitment with an abundance of juvenile fish collected. The 2024 spawn was not nearly as strong with a noticeable decline in YOY (Young of Year). From the initial analysis, the 2025 spawn appeared to be in decent shape with a high proportion of fish in the 4–6-inch range.
The Rappahannock River has been yielding some better than normal catches of Blue Catfish in the 30-to-50-pound range with reports surfacing of a few fish even larger. The 2024 survey found some very impressive Blue Catfish in the 40-to-60-pound range holding tight to shoreline cover in 2 feet of water. The 2025 survey was not successful in finding the larger Blue Catfish. High frequency electrofishing is not the best sampling technique to collect catfish. The limited catfish collection had an average size of 20 inches. The Blue Catfish population should still yield a sufficient abundance of 2-to-4-pound fish if anglers are looking to find a decent meal. Some of the better spots to try are the deeper holes in a few of the larger tributaries where the catfish will typically stack up.
The Tidal Rappahannock River continues to be a popular destination for anglers looking to get in on the action of the Yellow Perch run each spring. Most of this action can be found toward the end of February to the first couple weeks of March. Some of the lower tributaries in and around Tappahannock are popular destinations. Anglers willing to battle the colder weather can find these fish stacked in certain pockets of the creeks during the months of December and January if ice coverage is not an impediment. The 2025 survey found several year classes of juvenile fish with a handful of 10” fish. The electrofishing boat did not cross paths with any 11-13” fish during the fall survey. Most of the larger fish are encountered during the spring run when conditions bring fish closer to the shallows. Anglers are reminded that the minimum size limit for Yellow Perch is 9” for all Virginia tidal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay below the fall lines.
Surveys have found scattered pockets of healthy Bowfin in certain tributaries, but overall abundance showed a decline in 2025 with a limited catch of 15 fish (CPUE = 2.2 fish/hr.). The Northern Snakehead population, based on recent DWR collections, showed a decline in catch rate, dropping from 7 fish/hr. in 2023 to 2.6 fish/hr. in 2024. The 2025 survey collected 29 Northern Snakehead for a catch rate of 4.2 fish/hr. Many areas of the river have seen a large influx of bowfishing action, and this has put a strain on the populations of Northern Snakehead and the native Bowfin. The 2025 surveys showed a decreased presence of larger-sized Redear Sunfish in comparison to past survey years. Anglers are encouraged to limit their amount of Shellcracker harvest during the spawn in hopes of letting their population rebound in the future.
White Perch have historically been abundant in the Rappahannock River. The 2025 electrofishing surveys yielded a total of 154 White Perch for a CPUE of 22 fish/hr., which showed a decline from the 2024 survey (CPUE = 34 fish/hr.). Anglers might have to weed their way through numerous smaller fish in the 5–7-inch range to find larger-sized fish for the frying pan. White Perch are one of the tastier fish in the river system. Anglers fishing for White Perch might also tie into the Black Crappie action.
Some pockets of the river will hold decent Black Crappie in the 12-to-14-inch range. Large schools of crappie were not detected during the fall surveys. Certain downed trees with enough water depth at low tide will yield a dozen or so quality-sized fish. The 2025 survey did yield an increase in Black Crappie abundance with the majority of fish being in great physical condition.
Rivière Upper Piankatank
The Upper Piankatank River provides a scenic location for anglers. The nearest public boat ramp is quite some distance down river at the DWR Deep Point boat landing. Several miles upriver from the boat ramp, anglers will find plentiful amounts of marsh habitat lining the shorelines along with cypress trees. The fall survey of the Upper Piankatank River yielded a high species richness with 20 fish species collected. Five electrofishing sites were sampled on October 9th, 2025, toward the upper end of the Piankatank River where it blends into the Dragon Run. The salinity wedge from another dry fall made sampling lower end sites impossible. The 2025 survey found a decline in Largemouth Bass abundance with 24 fish collected (CPUE = 17.3 fish/hr.). This catch rate failed to match the 2024 survey (n = 59; CPUE = 43 fish/hr.). Bass recruitment of juvenile fish was poor with only 5 fish less than 11 inches. The average sized bass measured 12.72 inches with a weight of 1.29 pounds. The largest bass weighed 4.38 pounds, which was similar to 2024 (max wt. = 4.35 lbs.). Anglers may be hard pressed to find any/many bass greater than 5 pounds in this stretch of the river but they should find a decent presence of 1-to-2.5-pound bass.
The catch of Bowfin reached record potential in 2025 with the collection of 393 Bowfin, up from the 202 collected in 2024. The Bowfin population within the Piankatank River is one of the strongest within Virginia. The Bowfin population showed a decline in average weight, 2.1 pounds, down from 2024 (mean wt. = 2.6 pounds). Very few Bowfin will crack the 5-pound mark. The largest Bowfin weighed 5.78 pounds. The fall survey found one Northern Snakehead that measured 28.54 inches with a weight of 6.4 pounds. Past surveys have yielded a limited number of Northern Snakehead, so this was no huge surprise. The Redear Sunfish population has shown some decent potential with 9 to 10” fish present. The Black Crappie population failed to excite in 2025 with only 6 fish collected. Three of these fish were in the 10–11-inch range. Upper Piankatank River has a decent abundance of White Perch with most fish running in the 7 to 9” range. The largest White Perch of 2025 was 9.6 inches long. Larger-sized White Perch in the 10 to 12” range have been reported by anglers fishing the more brackish water of the middle river. Anglers might encounter some decent Chain Pickerel in the tannin-stained waters of Dragon Run. The fall survey failed to catch any pickerel of substantial size with the average size of 9”. Past surveys have shown forage base limitations in areas of lower Dragon Run. These limitations might find predator fish more active and susceptible to striking properly placed lures and baits. Past surveys have found the lower end sites to yield an abundance of juvenile Spot and large schools of Eastern Silvery Minnows. This was not the case in 2025, as the various forage species were in short supply. Only three juvenile Striped Bass were collected during the survey. The high frequency electrofishing failed to find a single Blue Catfish in the fall of 2025. Commercial activity in this area of the river is most likely harvesting a fair number of the Blue Catfish.
For more information on Virginia’s tidal rivers, contact the respective regional office.