UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Virginia freshwater
In Virginia freshwater, smallmouth bass peak April–May and July–October and are around year-round, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: New River and James on the beds.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Virginia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawningNew River and James on the beds.
- JuneAround
- JulyPeakSummer wading the New, the James and the Shenandoah — topwater at dusk.
- AugustPeakPeak river smallmouth.
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir
The tidal James' trophy blue cats, Smith Mountain's stripers, the New and the James for smallmouth and muskie, Kerr and Gaston, and Shenandoah valley trout.
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Virginia freshwater?
Peak season is April–May and July–October, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. May: New River and James on the beds.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Virginia freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir, New River, Lake Anna, Chickahominy River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Virginia freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Virginia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Virginia DWR) and change — read the current rule at https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores smallmouth bass for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about smallmouth bass · Virginia fresh water, the whole year