What to Fish for in October: Virginia’s Fall River Fishing Guide

October is peak season for river anglers across Virginia. Water temps cool, fish feed hard, and the scenery turns golden. Whether you’re floating the James, hiking the Shenandoah, or chasing stripers on the tidal Rappahannock, this is when everything comes alive.

Here’s your guide to what’s biting right now — and how to fish smarter, stay comfortable, and look good doing it.

1. Smallmouth Bass — James & Shenandoah Rivers

Few things match an October smallmouth bite on the James. Cooler mornings push bass into mid-depth structure, where they hammer soft plastics and small swimbaits.

Where to fish: Scottsville to Columbia on the James; Woodstock stretch on the Shenandoah.

Best baits: Ned rigs, small craws, 3–4” swimbaits.

Pro tip: Hit mid-day hours when the sun warms shallow rocks.

2. Largemouth Bass — Chickahominy & Appomattox Rivers

As the grass dies back, largemouth bass move along drop-offs and wood cover to ambush baitfish.

Where to fish: Chickahominy Lake, Appomattox backwaters.

Best baits: Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and shallow crankbaits.

Pro tip: Cover water fast in the mornings; slow down midday.

3. Catfish — Rappahannock & Tidal James Rivers

October nights bring trophy blue catfish action. Cooler water boosts oxygen levels, and these giants start feeding aggressively in deep bends.

Where to fish: City Dock in Fredericksburg, Dutch Gap area on the James.

Best baits: Cut shad, eel, or chicken liver.

Pro tip: Use heavier gear — 20–30 lb test — and fish into the evening.

4. Striped Bass — Potomac & Lower James Rivers

Fall striper runs kick into gear as water temps drop into the 60s. Focus on tidal seams, bridge pilings, and creek mouths at dawn and dusk.

Where to fish: Potomac River (Aquia Creek, Mattawoman), James River below Hopewell.

Best baits: Bucktail jigs, soft jerkbaits, and topwater walkers.

5. Trout — Shenandoah Headwaters & Stocked Streams

For a quieter October experience, head west. Brook trout and stocked rainbows come alive in cooler, oxygen-rich water.

Where to fish: Mossy Creek, North Fork Shenandoah.

Best baits: Small inline spinners, nymphs, and streamers.

Pro tip: Early morning light and stealth approach are everything.

 

Bonus: October Fishing Tips for Virginia

• Match the mood of the river. Natural colors work best — greens, browns, silvers.
• Watch the water temp. The 60°F range is your sign fish are feeding.
• Be ready for variety. October is the one month you could catch a bass, catfish, and striper in the same weekend.
• Document it. Share your catches using #RiverHookersFall for a chance to be featured and win gear.

Final Call to Action

Virginia rivers are full of life this October — and so are you. Out here, it’s about more than the catch. It’s the cast, the current, and the culture.

Shop the Collections:

• Minimalist Angler Collection – Clean, functional, all-day wear for anglers on the move.
• Legends of the Catch – For those who live the story, not just the stats.
• Wild Water Series – Rugged gear for cold mornings and river mist.
• River Hookers Collection – The lifestyle. The logo. The legacy