The Best Smallmouth Bass Rivers in the Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains and their foothills are a haven for anglers chasing smallmouth bass, known for their scrappy fights and stunning bronze hues. These rivers, carved through ancient ridges and rolling valleys, offer pristine waters, diverse habitats, and breathtaking scenery.
From Virginia to New York, here’s a guide to the top smallmouth rivers in the region, perfect for wading, floating, or casting from the bank.
1. New River (Virginia/West Virginia/North Carolina)
The New River is a smallmouth mecca, often called one of the best fisheries in the East. Flowing through Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, this ancient river boasts clear waters, rocky ledges, and deep pools that smallmouth love. Its diverse structure—gravel bars, riffles, and undercut banks—creates ideal habitat for hefty bronzebacks, with fish commonly reaching 3-5 pounds.
Why It’s Great: Consistent flows, abundant forage (crayfish, minnows), and long floatable sections make it perfect for kayaks or drift boats. Spring and fall are prime, with topwater action on poppers or buzzbaits thrilling anglers.
Access: Claytor Lake Dam to Allisonia (VA) or the West Virginia stretch near Sandstone are popular. Public access points abound, but check local regulations.
Tips: Target eddies behind boulders with soft plastics like crawfish imitations or cast streamers if fly fishing.
The James River, winding through Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills, is a smallmouth powerhouse. Its upper and middle sections, from Lynchburg to Richmond, offer a mix of rocky shoals, deep runs, and grassy banks. Smallmouth here are plentiful, with 2-4 pounders common and occasional 5-pound trophies.
Why It’s Great: Urban access near Richmond contrasts with wilder upstream sections, giving anglers options. Summer wading is excellent, and float trips yield high catch rates.
Access: Scottsville and Hardware River Wildlife Management Area are great starting points. Canoe outfitters simplify logistics.
Tips: Use crankbaits or tubes in earthy tones. Hit grassy islands at dawn for explosive top-water bites.
3. South Holston River (Tennessee/Virginia)
The South Holston, a tailwater below South Holston Dam, is a gem for smallmouth anglers. Its cold, clear waters flow through Tennessee into Virginia, supporting a robust population of smallmouth alongside trout. The river’s limestone bedrock and weed beds create perfect ambush points for bass.
Why It’s Great: Stable flows from dam releases ensure year-round fishing. Smallmouth average 12-16 inches, with 18-inchers not uncommon. Fly anglers thrive here with streamers or poppers.
Access: Osceola Island or the Weir Dam area offer easy wading. Check TVA’s dam release schedule before planning.
Tips: Focus on riffle-to-pool transitions. Smallmouth key on sculpins and baitfish, so match the hatch with weighted flies or jerk-baits.
4. Nolichucky River (Tennessee/North Carolina)
The Nolichucky, slicing through the rugged border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a wild, scenic river with stellar smallmouth fishing. Its fast-moving waters, punctuated by Class III rapids, hold aggressive bass in pocket water and deep runs. The river’s remoteness adds to its allure.
Why It’s Great: Less fishing pressure than bigger rivers, plus a chance for 3-4 pound smallmouth. Spring spawners hit hard, and fall brings vibrant foliage as a backdrop.
Access: Poplar, NC, or the Chestoa Recreation Area are prime launch points. Guided raft trips are ideal for navigating rapids.
Tips: Cast weightless flukes or Senkos near current breaks. Wear sturdy wading boots for slick rocks.
5. Shenandoah River (Virginia)
The Shenandoah, with its North and South Forks, is a classic Appalachian smallmouth destination. Flowing through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, its limestone-ledged waters teem with smallmouth, especially in the warmer months. The river’s gentle gradient suits beginners and experts alike.
Why It’s Great: Scenic floats past farmland and forested hills, plus consistent smallmouth action. Fish in the 1-3 pound range dominate, with occasional larger catches.
Access: Bentonville or Front Royal offer public launches. The South Fork near Luray is a favorite for wading.
Tips: Try spinnerbaits or chatterbaits in shallow runs. Early morning or dusk yields the best top-water action.
6. Watauga River (Tennessee/North Carolina)
The Watauga, another tailwater gem, flows from Wilbur Dam through Tennessee’s Appalachian foothills into North Carolina. Its cool waters and diverse structure—boulders, logjams, and gravel bars—make it a smallmouth hotspot. The river’s smaller size allows easy wading or short kayak floats.
Why It’s Great: Healthy smallmouth populations, with fish often exceeding 15 inches. The river’s clarity demands finesse, rewarding light tackle or fly anglers.
Access: Blevins Bend or the Valle Crucis section are accessible. Avoid high-water dam releases.
Tips: Use small jigs or finesse worms in clear water. Fly anglers should try woolly buggers or Clouser minnows.
7. Susquehanna River (Pennsylvania)!!BONUS!!
The Susquehanna River, flowing through central and eastern Pennsylvania, is a smallmouth juggernaut, often hailed as one of the best bass rivers in the country. Its West and North Branches, along with the main stem, offer miles of rocky riffles, deep pools, and grassy islands teeming with smallmouth. Fish in the 2-4 pound range are common, with 5-pounders possible.
Why It’s Great: Diverse habitat supports abundant smallmouth, and long floatable sections suit kayaks or jet boats. Summer and fall produce explosive topwater bites, while spring offers pre-spawn action.
Access: Harrisburg to Sunbury (main stem) or the West Branch near Lock Haven are prime. Public launches like Susquehanna State Park make access easy.
Tips: Target ledge drop-offs with crankbaits or tubes. Fly anglers should try poppers or Clouser minnows near current seams. Check for smallmouth advisories, though populations have rebounded.
8. Delaware River (New York/Pennsylvania)
The Upper Delaware, forming the border between New York and Pennsylvania, is a scenic gem with stellar smallmouth fishing. Its cold, clear waters flow through the Catskill foothills, offering rocky runs, gravel bars, and deep eddies. Smallmouth here average 12-16 inches, with occasional 18-20 inch trophies.
Why It’s Great: Low fishing pressure and wild aesthetics make it a favorite for wading or drift boat anglers. Summer wading is ideal, and fall brings aggressive fish chasing baitfish.
Access: Narrowsburg (NY/PA) or Callicoon are popular put-ins. The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River section offers ample public access.
Tips: Cast soft plastics like Senkos or crawfish imitations near boulders. Fly anglers excel with streamers in riffle-to-pool transitions. Watch for sudden water releases from upstream reservoirs.
9. Allegheny River (Pennsylvania)
The Allegheny River, winding through western Pennsylvania’s Appalachian foothills, is a smallmouth hotspot with a mix of wild and urban stretches. Its middle and upper sections, from Kinzua Dam to Pittsburgh, feature rocky shoals, logjams, and deep runs loaded with bass. Smallmouth commonly hit 2-3 pounds, with larger fish in deeper pools.
Why It’s Great: Consistent flows from Kinzua Dam create year-round opportunities. Kayak floats or wading yield high catch rates, and the river’s size accommodates all skill levels.
Access: Tidioute to Oil City or the tailwater below Kinzua Dam are excellent. Public boat ramps and state parks provide easy entry.
Tips: Use spinnerbaits or jigs around woody cover. Topwater lures shine at dusk. Fly anglers should try woolly buggers or crayfish patterns.
10. Genesee River (New York/Pennsylvania)
The Genesee River, originating in Pennsylvania and flowing through western New York, offers solid smallmouth fishing in its upper and middle reaches. The section from Wellsville (NY) to Rochester features rocky pools, riffles, and undercut banks that hold healthy bass populations. Smallmouth typically range from 12-16 inches, with bigger fish in tailwater sections.
Why It’s Great: The river’s mix of wild gorges and accessible stretches suits waders and floaters. Spring and fall are best, with fish keying on crayfish and minnows.
Access: Letchworth State Park (NY) or the tailwater below Belmont Dam are prime. Public access is plentiful, but some areas require hiking.
Tips: Target deep pools with jigs or crawfish imitations. Fly anglers should use sink-tip lines with streamers in faster water. Check for high flows after rain.
Tips for Smallmouth Success in the Appalachians
Timing: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are peak seasons. Summer offers great topwater action, while winter fishing can be productive in tailwaters.
Tackle: Medium-light spinning rods with 6-10 lb. line work well. For fly fishing, 6-8 wt. rods with floating or sink-tip lines cover most scenarios.
Lures/Flies: Crayfish imitations, minnow-pattern streamers, poppers, and soft plastics (tubes, flukes) are go-to choices. Match colors to local forage—green, brown, or black.
Conservation: Practice catch-and-release to preserve these fisheries. Check local regulations, as some rivers have size or creel limits (e.g., Susquehanna in PA).
Safety: Watch for sudden water level changes on tailwaters (e.g., Kinzua, Cannonsville) and wear life jackets when floating. Respect private land along riverbanks.
Why These Rivers Shine
The Appalachian Mountains and foothills, spanning from New York to North Carolina, offer a unique blend of rugged beauty and world-class smallmouth fishing. These rivers, shaped by eons of geologic forces, provide diverse habitats that sustain healthy bass populations. Whether you’re stalking riffles in the Upper Delaware or floating the Susquehanna’s broad runs, the region’s waters deliver unforgettable experiences. Pack your rod, tie on a crawfish pattern, and explore these iconic streams—you won’t be disappointed.
Check out this New River Campground Map to plan your next trip!
Let us know if you fish these waters or plan on going in the comments below!
Note: Always verify river conditions, access points, and regulations with state agencies before your trip. Local outfitters or guides are great resources.
