Catfish

Richmond's James River is a catfish haven, offering anglers the chance to tangle with channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Summer nights are legendary for catfishing here, but spring and fall can also produce excellent results. Focus on deeper holes, channel edges, and areas with current breaks. For blue catfish, cut bait like gizzard shad is a go-to, while live bait works well for flatheads. Local tip: Access the river from the numerous public boat ramps along Route 5, or try fishing from the bank at Huguenot Flatwater. Be prepared for some heavy lifting, as the James is known for producing trophy-sized blue cats exceeding 50 pounds. The catfish population here is robust, but be mindful of size and creel limits to help maintain the fishery's health. The James River catfish are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, providing an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.