Virginia
Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg
Location Snapshot
Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg is a fall-line Virginia river reach transitioning from Piedmont shoals toward the tidal lower river. Smallmouth bass and catfish provide the principal freshwater fishing opportunities.
Current River Rating
Excellent · 93
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
Wednesday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Why
- Cloud cover is generally suitable for fishing.
- 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
- 571 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.39 ft
- Water Temperature
- 56.8 °F
- Latest current reading
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 01668000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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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
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
48°F
Feels like
41°F
Wind
8 mph NW
Wind gust
18 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 6:00 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 8 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 12 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 12 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 70°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 11 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 4 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 70°F / Low 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 25 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 65°F / Low 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 25 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 68°F / Low 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 64°F / Low 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 25 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
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Fishing Overview
Wild smallmouth bass are in the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Rappahannock 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
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
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Stafford, 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
Stafford
Management Category
Warmwater river
Regulation Scope
Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg freshwater gauge reach.
Regulation Summary
Virginia DWR freshwater regulations apply on this Rappahannock reach. Confirm current seasons, methods, and limits before fishing.
Target Species
Smallmouth Bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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