The James River, a significant waterway in Virginia, supports a wide array of aquatic life, including numerous fish species. Its diverse ecosystem transitions from freshwater to brackish and saltwater environments closer to the Chesapeake Bay, offering varied habitats. The river’s ecological health is important for sustaining these species.
Common Fish Species
The James River is home to a variety of fish commonly found across its different sections. Largemouth Bass are prevalent in the tidal freshwater and upper brackish areas, with prime fishing locations above Hopewell and in larger tidal creeks like Herring and Powell creeks. These bass often use shoreline structures like pier pilings and downed trees for habitat. In contrast, Smallmouth Bass dominate the upper James River, thriving in its rocky habitats upstream from Richmond, where they are a primary game species.
Catfish are widely distributed throughout the river. Channel Catfish are caught across the tidal James, with better catches in the main river and tributaries from the Chickahominy River to Hog Point. Blue Catfish have seen a significant increase in the tidal James, becoming a nationally recognized fishery, with many weighing between 30 and 60 pounds. Anglers find these large catfish near submerged structures and channel drop-offs.
Panfish, such as Bluegill and Crappie, are also common residents. Bluegill can be found in backwater areas off the main stem and in tidal creeks. Black Crappie are often located in tidal tributaries and parts of the mainstem near Jones Neck and Turkey Island, associating with submerged cover like downed trees. White Perch are common throughout the river, caught using various lures.
Migratory Fish
Many James River fish undertake significant migrations between saltwater and freshwater. Striped Bass, known for their excellent fishing opportunities, are caught throughout the tidal James during their spring season, near the fall-line. These fish use fishways to access upstream areas.
American Shad are an anadromous species, meaning they migrate from the ocean into freshwater rivers like the James to spawn each spring. Historically, these large members of the herring family ascended the James River for hundreds of miles, but dam construction has since limited their upstream access. Their primary spawning grounds are now in a 33.5-km stretch below the fall line near Richmond.
River Herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring) are also anadromous, migrating from the Atlantic Ocean into freshwater tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, including the James, to spawn. Historically abundant, their populations declined due to habitat loss and overfishing, leading to a moratorium on possession in Virginia tidal waters since 2012. Hickory Shad also participate in these migratory runs alongside American Shad.
American Eels are catadromous, living in freshwater or brackish environments before migrating downstream to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. After hatching, larvae drift for months before transforming into transparent “glass eels” and then “elvers,” which ascend rivers like the James. These eels can overcome obstacles, including sliding over land, to reach upstream habitats.
Conservation and Unique Aquatic Life
The James River provides habitat for unique and conservation-sensitive aquatic species. The Atlantic Sturgeon, a prehistoric-looking fish, is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 2012. Capable of growing up to 14 feet long and weighing 800 pounds, these large fish spend their adult lives in the ocean but return to their natal rivers, including the James, to spawn. They are found in the James from the Chesapeake Bay up to the fall line during their spring and fall migrations.
Historically, Atlantic Sturgeon populations were depleted by 19th-century overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. Despite these challenges, evidence suggests sturgeon are once again spawning in the James, a milestone for their recovery. Ongoing conservation efforts involve research, including tagging and monitoring programs, to understand their movements and ensure survival. Vessel strikes also remain a concern for these recovering populations.