Damn Good New River Fishing Guides

Fishing the New River is like discovering a hidden side of the Appalachian Mountains—untamed, rugged, and full of surprises. This river, one of the oldest in the world, weaves through some of the most picturesque landscapes you’ll find, offering anglers everything from gentle, flowing sections to challenging, swift waters. Whether you’re fishing for smallmouth bass, muskie, or catfish, the New River’s diverse waters provide plenty of opportunities for a rewarding day on the water. The sheer size of the river, combined with the surrounding hills and forests, makes it feel like you’re stepping into another world, where the only thing that matters is the next cast.

The spring season on the New River brings an energy that’s hard to match. As the temperatures rise and the water levels fluctuate with the snowmelt, fish become more active, making it the perfect time to target smallmouth bass. The combination of rising water and hungry fish creates a unique challenge—casting in the faster, deeper sections where the fish congregate, or fishing in the quieter eddies where they rest. The spring air is fresh, the river a little wilder, and there’s something about the rush of the current and the cool mist of the morning that makes the experience feel almost primal. It’s a time when the river feels alive, and you’re right there in the thick of it.

Summer on the New River is a quieter, more reflective time. The water levels stabilize, making it easier to navigate the deeper pools and riffles where the fish take shelter from the heat. Smallmouth bass are still active, but the real thrill comes with targeting the muskie, a fish that requires all your patience and skill. The river’s gentle flow in the early mornings and late evenings provides a perfect backdrop for casting and waiting, letting the river work its magic. With the sun sinking behind the hills, the New River offers some of the most peaceful fishing conditions—no rush, no distractions, just the rhythm of the water and the promise of what’s to come with the next cast. It’s a season for those who appreciate the quiet moments on the water just as much as the catch.

Spring on the New River is when the magic happens. As the days grow longer and the air warms up, the river comes alive with activity. The water is still high from the snowmelt, and that’s when the smallmouth bass start to feed heavily, preparing for the warmer months. The river’s swift currents can be tricky, but that’s where the fun is—casting into the deeper runs and fishing the eddies where the fish are lying in wait. The cool mornings, the mist hanging over the water, and the sense of anticipation make spring one of the most exciting times to be on the New River. It’s a season that tests your skills while offering that unmistakable thrill of the first bite.

As the summer heat rolls in, the New River slows down a bit, and the fishing shifts gears. The water levels stabilize, and the fish become more predictable, especially in the deeper pools and shady stretches. Smallmouth bass are still active, but it’s the muskie that really takes center stage in the summer. These toothy predators are elusive, requiring patience and precision, but the fight they give you when you hook one is worth every second of waiting. Summer on the New River is for the dedicated angler—the kind of person who enjoys a long, quiet morning casting under the shade of the trees and the thrill of the chase that builds with each cast.

When fall rolls around, the New River transforms into something special. The air cools, and the water clears, creating ideal conditions for a more relaxed, yet productive, day of fishing. Smallmouth bass are still active, but you’ll find them in different places—closer to the deeper, calmer pools as the river cools down. Fall is a time to slow down, take in the changing colors of the landscape, and fish with a little more patience. The bite can be slower, but when it comes, it’s a reminder that the best moments on the water aren’t always about quantity—it’s about finding the right place, at the right time, and soaking in everything the river has to offer.

The New River flows through some of the most rugged and scenic parts of the Appalachian Mountains, and it’s a place where the fishing is as varied as the landscape itself. Fly fishing is a favorite method for many anglers, particularly in the river’s upper reaches, where wild trout—mostly brown and rainbow—hang out in the cool, fast-moving waters. Whether you’re targeting trout in the riffles or casting into the deep pockets, the New River’s clear waters offer plenty of opportunities for success. A well-placed nymph or dry fly can be deadly, especially during the hatches in the spring and fall. If you’re into the thrill of watching a fish rise to your fly, this is the place to do it.

For those who like to mix things up, the New River also offers prime conditions for spinning and baitcasting. Smallmouth bass dominate the river’s slower sections, especially in the warmer months when they move into the shallow riffles and rock-strewn pools. These tough, aggressive fighters are known for their explosive strikes, making them an exciting catch no matter how seasoned you are. Topwater lures like poppers or buzzbaits work wonders, and if you’re looking to go a little deeper, a jig or soft plastic along the rocky bottom can land you some big ones. The key here is to focus on structure—smallmouths love hanging around submerged rocks and fallen timber.

If you're after a different kind of challenge, the New River’s walleye and muskie populations are well worth pursuing. Both species require a bit more finesse and strategy, but the effort is worth it. Muskie are elusive predators that require careful planning and persistence, but once you’ve hooked into one, the fight is unforgettable. For walleye, a slow drag with a jig or live bait, especially in deeper, calmer waters, is your best bet. Whether you're chasing smallmouths on the surface or hunting down elusive walleye and muskie in the depths, the New River offers a diverse range of fishing techniques that’ll keep you coming back for more.

The New River is a playground for anglers looking to reel in a mix of species, all while surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. At the top of the list is the wild brown and rainbow trout that call the river's upper stretches home. These trout thrive in the cool, fast-moving waters, offering a challenge that any fly fisher will appreciate. Whether you’re stalking them in the riffles or casting into deeper pools, these trout are a reward for those who take the time to read the water. With the right fly and a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with a hookup that feels like the start of a classic fishing story.

But the New River isn’t just for trout anglers—smallmouth bass rule the roost in many of its calmer, slower-moving stretches. These aggressive, hard-fighting bass are a thrill to catch, especially when you’re working the rocky runs and shallow riffles with topwater lures or soft plastics. They’re especially active in the summer, so whether you’re tossing a popper across the surface or dragging a jig along the bottom, there’s no shortage of action when smallmouths are around. The New River offers up plenty of smallmouths, and with a little patience and some finesse, you can land a monster.

For those after a little more of a challenge, the New River also holds a solid population of muskie and walleye. Muskie are the river’s ultimate predator, known for their elusive nature and epic fight once hooked. These fish don’t come easy, but the thrill of battling one of these toothy giants is like no other. If you're after walleye, slow-trolling a jig or using live bait can lead to some satisfying catches, especially in the river’s deeper, calmer stretches. Whether you’re targeting trout, smallmouths, or chasing the elusive muskie, the New River offers a diverse array of species that promise a fresh adventure for every cast.

If you're looking for a river that feels as timeless as the mountains it flows through, the New River in West Virginia is where you want to be. It’s one of the oldest rivers in the world, and fishing here offers a taste of history with every cast. The New River’s winding waters are home to everything from largemouth bass and smallmouth bass to musky, so whether you’re a fly fishing purist or a baitcaster, you’ll find plenty to reel in. Its gentle flow in some areas and faster currents in others give you a variety of fishing experiences, each offering a new adventure. You’re not just fishing here—you’re connecting with a river that’s been carving through the Appalachian Mountains for millions of years.

What sets the New River apart from other spots is the sheer diversity of water it has to offer. From the lower reaches near the Virginia-West Virginia border, with its calmer stretches perfect for wading or float trips, to the rapids and deep pools further upstream, there’s something for every angler. The river’s clear waters and rich ecosystems make it a great spot for smallmouth bass, especially in the warmer months, while the deeper holes and quiet back eddies hide some monster musky. Fishing here is about more than just the catch—it’s about tapping into the flow of a river that’s both wild and serene, offering up new possibilities with every turn.

But what really makes fishing the New River something special is the setting. You’ll find yourself surrounded by jaw-dropping Appalachian beauty: towering cliffs, dense forests, and open valleys that stretch for miles. There’s a peacefulness to the place that makes each day on the water feel like an escape, and if you time it right, you might just find yourself in a stretch of river all to yourself. Whether you’re drifting in a boat, wading through a quiet riffle, or casting from a rocky outcrop, the New River offers an experience that’s as much about the journey as it is about the fish. It’s the kind of place that feels like a reward for those willing to seek out something a little wilder, a little more untamed.