The James River flows over 340 miles across Virginia, originating in the Appalachian Mountains and emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. This expansive waterway transitions from cold, rocky mountain streams to a broad, slow-moving tidal estuary, supporting a wide array of aquatic life. The river’s varying environments, defined by factors like current speed, water temperature, and salinity, determine which fish species thrive in a particular section. This segmentation means the fish found in the upper, non-tidal freshwater stretches are distinctly different from those inhabiting the brackish, tidal zones closer to the bay.
Fish of the Upper and Non-Tidal Zones
The upper and middle sections of the James River, upstream of the fall line in Richmond, are characterized by swift currents, rocky bottoms, and cool, oxygenated freshwater. This non-tidal zone is a habitat for several popular game fish. Smallmouth Bass is the dominant black bass species here, thriving in the river’s numerous riffles, runs, and rocky pools.
Largemouth Bass and Spotted Bass also inhabit these upper reaches, typically found in areas with slower currents or deep pools. The sunfish family is well-represented by species like the Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, and Rock Bass, which serve as important forage for larger predators. Catfish species are also common residents, including the native Channel Catfish and the non-native Flathead Catfish, which is more prevalent in the upstream sections above Lynchburg.
Fish of the Tidal Estuary
The James River Estuary begins at the fall line in Richmond and extends approximately 100 miles downstream to the Chesapeake Bay. This complex transition zone is where freshwater gradually mixes with saltwater, supporting a unique combination of freshwater and salt-tolerant species. The most notable resident is the non-native Blue Catfish, an invasive species introduced in the 1970s that has colonized the tidal river in massive numbers.
Blue Catfish can tolerate high salinities and have become an apex predator in the tidal river. The tidal river is also home to a Largemouth Bass fishery, with the best fishing occurring in shallow tributaries and backwaters where salinity remains low. Other species adapted to this environment include Striped Bass, which use the area for foraging and migration, and White Perch, often found near submerged structures.
The River’s Migratory Species
The James River serves as a migratory corridor for species that travel between the ocean and freshwater to complete their life cycles. These species are either anadromous (salt to fresh) or catadromous (fresh to salt). Anadromous species, such as the American Shad, Hickory Shad, and River Herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring), migrate upstream in the spring to spawn in freshwater.
The Atlantic Sturgeon, a federally endangered species, utilizes the James River as one of its last remaining spawning habitats. These large fish can reach 14 feet and spawn in the deeper, tidal freshwater sections of the river. Their populations remain low due to historical overfishing and habitat loss.
The American Eel is the river’s catadromous species, spending most of its adult life in the freshwater river before migrating to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. Fish passage projects, like the one at Boshers Dam near Richmond, help restore access to historical spawning habitat.