New River
Galax to Radford · Smallmouth
SW Virginia, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Smallmouth.
Stream gauge: 03171000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
New River running 1480 cfs — perfect level for smallmouth, right in the sweet spot before summer heat stress. Water temps climbing into the prime 60-68°F range with these 80°F+ afternoons. Caddis are active (peak month) and March Browns should be wrapping up, creating excellent dry fly opportunities. Focus the long rocky runs near Radford where bass are staging in current breaks. Topwater poppers will be deadly in the mornings and evenings as temps moderate through the weekend.
- Flow: 1480 cfs — ideal smallmouth level, clear water with good current breaks in the rocky runs
- Hatches: Caddis peak month active, March Browns finishing. Elk Hair Caddis #16 and Adams #12 producing
- Water Temp: Approaching prime 60-68°F range with these warm afternoons — perfect smallmouth conditions
- Best Window: Early morning and evening topwater before heat stress. Streamers midday in deeper runs
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct (smallmouth); Oct–Mar (musky)
The New River in southwest Virginia is one of the oldest rivers on Earth — flowing north against the apparent grain of the topography through the New River Gorge. The river is broad, warm in summer, and supports a smallmouth bass and musky fishery rather than trout. Float trips dominate. Smallmouth bass on poppers and streamers through summer afternoons is the headline fishing; muskellunge in cooler months draws trophy hunters with 9-weight rods.
The New River is geologically the oldest river in North America and the second-oldest in the world — flowing through terrain that is itself older than the Atlantic Ocean.
January Outlook
January on the New River in Virginia is winter rest season. This ancient river — flowing northeast while all surrounding Appalachian drainages flow southwest — is in its lowest-activity period for smallmouth. Musky and walleye anglers have some winter activity but fly fishing is largely a planning-season affair.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — musky and walleye possible
- Large Streamer
- Woolly Bugger
- Sculpin Pattern
Tips
January smallmouth are in a near-dormant state in cold water. The New River's larger musky can be targeted with large streamers on cold days. Wade anglers should plan spring and summer trips — float fishing in a canoe or drift boat is the best approach for most of the New River's productive water.
Water Notes
1,500–6,000 cfs. Water 36–44°F. Cold Appalachian winter. Smallmouth largely inactive below 45°F.
February Outlook
February on the New River. Still the off-season for smallmouth bass. The river may run high with early snowmelt and rain. Musky are occasionally active on warmer days in the deeper pools near Radford and Narrows.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season
- Large Streamer (musky)
- Woolly Bugger
- Sculpin
Tips
February fishing on the New River is not recommended for smallmouth. Water temperatures are too cold for reliable bass activity. Focus planning on April–September float trips instead. The New River Gorge section in West Virginia offers some of the most spectacular float fishing in the East.
Water Notes
2,000–8,000 cfs. Water 38–46°F. Late winter runoff. Smallmouth near inactive. Musky possible in deep pools.
March Outlook
March brings the first hints of spring to the New River valley. Water temperatures begin climbing toward the critical 50°F threshold that triggers smallmouth activity. Early musky and walleye fishing can be productive. Late March sometimes produces the first reluctant smallmouth of the year.
Productive Patterns
- Woolly Bugger
- Clouser Minnow (small)
- Crayfish Pattern
- Streamer
Tips
The New River's smallmouth season begins slowly in March. Fish deep, slow pools with dark-colored streamers on cold water days. When water reaches 48–52°F in late March, smallmouth will chase streamers. The section near Pembroke and Narrows begins producing first.
Water Notes
1,000–5,000 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Spring runoff. First smallmouth activity possible when temps exceed 48°F.
April Outlook
April marks the real beginning of New River smallmouth season. Water temperatures climb into the 52–60°F range that triggers active feeding. Pre-spawn smallmouth cruise the shallow gravel bars and rocky riffles.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Woolly Bugger
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April smallmouth are pre-spawn and actively feeding. Fish the rocky riffles and gravel bars with Clouser Minnows. The section from Radford downstream to the gorge produces well. Float fishing from a canoe or jon boat allows coverage of the most productive water.
Water Notes
800–4,000 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Pre-spawn conditions. Smallmouth becoming active as spring warms the river.
May Outlook
The New River in Virginia is one of the oldest rivers in North America — flowing northeast opposite most Appalachian drainage. Smallmouth bass and musky fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow
- Poppers
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Woolly Bugger
Tips
The New River is primarily smallmouth bass water with some trout sections. Spring is the prime smallmouth season. Float the river for best access.
Water Notes
1,000–5,000 cfs. Water 52–60°F in May. Excellent spring smallmouth conditions.
June Outlook
Excellent smallmouth fishing on the New River. Topwater poppers and streamers produce aggressive fish in the long, rocky runs.
Productive Patterns
- Popper
- Clouser Minnow
- Crayfish Pattern
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Smallmouth bass in the New River average 12–16 inches with fish to 20 inches possible. Float the sections near Radford for the most productive water.
Water Notes
800–3,000 cfs. Water 60–68°F. Prime smallmouth conditions.
July Outlook
Prime smallmouth season on the New River. Topwater fishing in the early morning and late evening produces the most exciting action.
Productive Patterns
- Popper
- Dahlberg Diver
- Clouser Minnow
- Sculpin Pattern
Tips
July smallmouth on topwater poppers is some of the most exciting fishing in Virginia. Fish the rocky riffles and undercut rock banks. Early morning and evening produce the most surface activity.
Water Notes
600–2,000 cfs. Water 65–72°F. Peak smallmouth season.
August Outlook
August continues peak smallmouth season on the New River. Topwater fishing at dawn and dusk produces explosive strikes. The river drops to its lowest summer levels, concentrating fish in the deeper runs and pools.
Productive Patterns
- Popper (dawn/dusk)
- Dahlberg Diver
- Clouser Minnow
- Crayfish Pattern
Tips
August topwater on the New River is memorable — smallmouth crashing surface poppers in the rocky runs at sunrise. Fish dawn until 8am for the best topwater action, then switch to Clousers and crayfish patterns for the midday hours. The gorge sections near Pearisburg hold the largest fish.
Water Notes
500–1,500 cfs. Water 68–74°F. Summer low water. Fish early morning and evening for surface action.
September Outlook
September smallmouth season on the New River. Post-summer cooling begins and fish return to more consistent feeding patterns throughout the day. Excellent fishing conditions for float trips.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow
- Poppers (morning)
- Streamer
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
September is one of the best New River months — the summer heat breaks and smallmouth feed actively all day. Float fishing sections near Radford, Narrows, and Pearisburg. The section between Pembroke and Narrows is particularly productive. Smallmouth to 18 inches possible.
Water Notes
600–2,000 cfs. Cooling 60–68°F. Excellent fall smallmouth conditions returning. Float fishing recommended.
October Outlook
October fall smallmouth fishing on the New River. Cooling water triggers aggressive pre-winter feeding. Fish are stacking up in deeper pools and producing some of the year's most consistent action on streamers and Clousers.
Productive Patterns
- Clouser Minnow
- Streamer (dark)
- Woolly Bugger
- Sculpin Pattern
Tips
October smallmouth on the New River feed aggressively before winter. Fish the deeper pool runs and rocky ledges with streamers. Float the gorge sections for the best fall fishing. Water clarity is usually excellent in October — use lighter presentations than summer. Musky fishing also picks up.
Water Notes
600–2,500 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Excellent fall smallmouth conditions. Streamers most productive.
November Outlook
November on the New River marks the transition to winter conditions. Smallmouth slow considerably as water temps drop below 50°F. Late November fishing is marginal. Focus on planning float trips for next spring.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — some fall smallmouth early in month
- Sculpin Pattern
- Woolly Bugger
- Streamer
Tips
Early November still produces smallmouth when water is above 50°F. By mid-November most fish have dropped to winter holding lies in the deepest pools. Float fishing is the safest approach — wade fishing the rocky New River can be treacherous in cold weather. Begin planning spring season.
Water Notes
800–3,500 cfs. Water 45–54°F. Transitioning to winter. Smallmouth slowing considerably.
December Outlook
December is the off-season on the New River for smallmouth. The ancient river flows cold and clear through the Appalachian ridges. December is for planning — study maps, tie flies, and book your spring float trip for May through July when this remarkable river is at its finest.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — musky possible on warm spells
- Large Streamer (musky)
- Woolly Bugger
Tips
The New River's smallmouth season effectively ends in December. Musky anglers target deep pools on unseasonably warm days. The New River's geological significance — one of the world's oldest rivers, pre-dating the surrounding mountains — makes even an off-season visit worthwhile.
Water Notes
1,000–5,000 cfs. Water 36–44°F. Winter off-season. Smallmouth near dormant. Plan spring and summer trips.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March Brown Maccaffertium vicarium |
May | May, Jun | #10–12 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul, Aug | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Pearisburg, VA and Hinton, WV are the main bases. Multiple state and federal access points. Virginia or West Virginia license required (depending on bank/section).
Nearby Fly Shops
- New River Fly Fish
- Lucky Strips Fly Co.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Virginia requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Virginia fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
New River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
New River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.