Pound for pound, smallmouth bass fight harder than largemouth bass. The New River of Virginia offers you an exciting chance to catch smallmouth bass by boat, float tube tube, canoe, kayak, or by wading in the river. If you're not familiar with the water, guided trips are available. And if you would rather go it alone, there are multiple access points along the river for departure and pickup.
Wading
The quickest way for you to get to the fish is by putting on a pair of waders and walking into shallow, quick flowing sections of the river. This tactic provides you with an exciting challenge, catching smallmouth while wading through the river. Fly fishing and fishing with light spinning tackle are both popular methods for catching smallmouth in the new river.
Kayak and Canoe
If you're an adventure seeker who would like to catch a few smallmouth and battle class IV rapids in the same day, kayaking offers both. If you're not familiar with kayaking, you can take a canoe down the river and catch just as many. Fly fishing is not suggested out of canoes and kayaks, but don't be afraid to pull up on the beach and pull out a fly rod during your float trip.
Rafting
New River Smallmouth Adventures, located in Pembroke, is available for guided rafting trips from March through November. All tackle will be provided by the company. It offers you the choice of fly fishing with wet flies, or if you're not familiar with using fly fishing tackle, the company will happily supply you with world-class spinning tackle.
Access
For boating access to the New River, there are ramp locations in Montgomery, Grayson, Wythe, Giles, and Carroll. Suitable watercraft include aluminum boats, kayaks, canoes, float tubes and rafts. Have someone downriver to pick you up after the end of your trip at a designated location, or it will be a long walk back to the truck.
Tactics
Fly and spinning tackle are suitable for smallmouth fishing the new river. Focus on casting at rocks, jetties and other structure that block the river's flow. Wet and dry flies drifted past rockpiles, and lay-down tree tops, Mad Toms worked along the bottom of the river, and small crappie baits cast up current and speed-reeled back will all catch smallmouth on the river.
Plan Ahead
Anytime you take a trip on the New River, prepare for the worst. Always let someone know your plans before departing for the river, and take somebody with you if you can. You may encounter rapids along your trip and should wear a life vest at all times. Taking a kayaking, canoeing or rafting course before your trip will help keep you safe on the river.
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