Virginia
James River at Cartersville
Location Snapshot
James River at Cartersville is a large central Virginia mainstem reach flowing through the Piedmont toward Richmond. Smallmouth bass and catfish are principal targets across rocky shoals, deep runs, and broad river bends.
Current River Rating
Good · 84
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within a broad fishable range.
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
Favorable Factors
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 1710 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.84 ft
- Water Temperature
- 59 °F
- Latest current reading
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 02035000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
Loading advisory…
Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
38°F
Feels like
32°F
Wind
6 mph NW
Wind gust
12 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Clear
Temp 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 69°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 10 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 63°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 70°F / Low 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 30 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 65°F / Low 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 23 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 66°F / Low 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 28 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
Loading historical flow…
Fishing Overview
The James at Cartersville is in the middle James, from Bent Creek to Watkins Landing, a smallmouth bass fishery.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at James River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Virginia DWR
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Virginia DWR
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
Loading hatch suggestions…
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Cumberland, Virginia
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Cumberland
Management Category
Warmwater river
Regulation Scope
James River at Cartersville freshwater gauge reach.
Regulation Summary
Virginia DWR freshwater regulations apply on this James River reach. Confirm current seasons, methods, and limits before fishing.
Target Species
Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish
Access, Parking, and Regulations
Loading access and regulations…