26 Valley St, Scottsville, VA 24590
James River Fly Shop is the essential outfitter for one of Virginia's most storied and diverse fisheries, anchoring the small town of Scottsville where the James River bends through the rolling piedmont of central Virginia. Positioned directly on the river, the shop has built its identity around two very different quarries: the wild brown and rainbow trout that hold in the upper James and its cold mountain tributaries, and the bronze-flanked smallmouth bass that make the mid-river system one of the finest warm-water fly fishing destinations in the eastern United States. That dual focus sets James River Fly Shop apart from most regional outfitters and attracts a clientele that ranges from dry-fly purists chasing rising browns to sight-fishing addicts targeting smallmouth in gin-clear summer flows.
The shop runs float trips in drift boats and canoes through the most productive stretches of the James, with guides who read the river's braided channels and limestone ledges with practiced efficiency. Gear selection covers the full spectrum of freshwater fly fishing, from 3-weight rods suited to small mountain streams to 7-weights built for throwing big poppers at thick-shouldered smallmouth. The staff publishes reliable daily reports covering water temperature, flow levels, and hatch activity, and the fly selection is stocked with proven local patterns including Clouser minnows, Woolly Buggers, and the sulphur and cahills that define summer evenings on the upper river.
“Spent two days floating the James with guide Derek and it was one of the best fishing trips I've taken on the East Coast. We covered a long stretch of the mid-river on day one targeting smallmouth — water was low and clear, perfect sight-fishing conditions. Derek put me on fish that I never would have spotted on my own, tucked into ledges and current seams. Day two we drove up to the trout water and waded a gorgeous stretch of river. Switched to a 4-weight and caught a dozen browns before noon. Absolutely worth the drive to Scottsville.”
“My husband and I booked a half-day wade trip for our anniversary weekend in the Blue Ridge and had no idea what to expect. The shop set us up with everything we needed — waders, boots, rods — and our guide was patient and funny. I caught my first fish on a fly rod, a beautiful little brown trout on a sulphur dry fly. The shop staff were knowledgeable and helped us pick flies for the evening hatch before we headed out. Highly recommend for beginners and experienced anglers alike.”
“The James River smallmouth fishing in June is something every fly angler should experience. The shop's guide put us in prime position all day — popper fishing over limestone ledges, streamers through deep pools. We landed 20-plus fish, several pushing 18 inches. These guys know the James better than anyone. Flies, reports, gear — all top notch.”
