What the Nansemond River offers and when to fish it
The Nansemond River is a tidal tributary that flows through Suffolk and into the James River, and it holds largemouth bass, catfish, and seasonal runs of shad and herring. The river is brackish in its lower reaches and freshwater upstream, which means the species mix changes depending on how far you travel from the mouth. Spring brings shad and herring; summer is prime for largemouth bass and catfish; fall sees another push of migratory fish; winter slows everything down but catfish remain catchable.
Access is straightforward because the Nansemond has public boat ramps and shoreline areas where you can wade or fish from the bank. The river is wide enough to handle small boats but shallow enough in places that you need to know the tide and the bottom. Most anglers fish the deeper holes and channel edges where bass hold during the day, and the shallows early and late in the day.
Key Takeaways
- The Nansemond holds largemouth bass year-round, with the best action in spring and fall when water temperatures favor feeding.
- Catfish are abundant and active from late spring through fall, especially in deeper holes and around structure like fallen trees and pilings.
- Shad and herring run upriver in spring (March through May) and again in fall, drawing both gamefish and anglers targeting the shad themselves.
- Public boat ramps exist at multiple points along the river, and tide timing matters because the lower river is tidal and affects water levels and current.
- The river is brackish near its mouth and freshwater upstream, so the fish species and their behavior change depending on salinity.
Largemouth bass patterns by season
Spring (March through May) is when largemouth bass move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Fish the edges of shallow bays, the mouths of small creeks, and any area with overhanging vegetation or submerged wood. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but overcast days can produce all day. Use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in natural colors—crawfish patterns and shad imitations work well.
Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper into the channel and into shade. Fish the deeper holes, around dock pilings, and under overhanging trees. Early morning before the sun gets high is your best window. Topwater lures can work at dawn, but as the day heats up, switch to deeper-running crankbaits or Texas-rigged soft plastics. The heat also makes catfish more active at night, so consider switching gears after dark.
Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass move back to shallower feeding zones. This is often as good as spring. Fish the same shallow structure you worked in spring, and don't overlook the shad runs—bass follow the baitfish. Topwater and medium-depth crankbaits produce well.
Winter (December through February) slows the bite considerably, but bass don't disappear. They move to the deepest holes and hold tight to structure. Fish slowly with soft plastics or live shiners, and focus on the deepest parts of the main channel. Catfish remain active and are often easier to catch than bass during these months.
Catfish and other bottom-feeding species
Channel catfish and flathead catfish are abundant in the Nansemond and bite year-round, though they're most active from May through October. Fish the deeper holes, around submerged logs, and near the channel edges. Chicken liver, cut shad, and live bluegill are standard baits. Fish on the bottom with a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker, and be patient—catfish often bite best at night or in low-light conditions.
Flatheads are more aggressive than channels and prefer live bait, especially live bluegill or shad. They're also more active at night. If you're targeting flatheads specifically, fish after dark with live bait and be ready for a hard fight—they grow large in the Nansemond and pull hard.
White perch and crappie are also present, especially in spring and early summer. White perch school in the deeper channels and respond to small shad imitations and jigs. Crappie hide around structure and are best caught with live minnows or small soft plastics fished slowly near pilings and fallen trees.
Shad and herring runs
American shad and hickory shad run upriver in spring (typically March through May) and again in fall (September through November). These runs attract both dedicated shad anglers and bass fishermen looking to capitalize on the baitfish activity. Shad are caught on small shad darts (quarter-ounce to half-ounce), spoons, and small crankbaits. Fish the deeper channels and the edges of the main current.
Herring (alewives) run at similar times and are smaller than shad. They're often caught incidentally while fishing for shad, but some anglers target them specifically with tiny jigs and spoons. Both shad and herring are good eating, and many anglers keep them for the table or use them as live bait for catfish and stripers.
Boat ramps and access points
The Nansemond has several public boat ramps managed by Suffolk Parks and Recreation and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The main ramp is at Nansemond River Park, located off Constant's Wharf Road in Suffolk. This ramp has parking, restrooms, and is the most reliable access point. There are also smaller ramps and fishing piers at various points along the river, though some are seasonal or have limited hours.
Before launching, check the tide tables because the lower river is tidal and water levels can change significantly. A low tide can leave shallow areas impassable, especially if you're running a boat with a draft. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website lists current access points and any seasonal closures.
Shore fishing is also possible at several public areas, including parks and designated fishing piers. Wading is feasible in many spots, but wear shoes with good grip because the bottom can be muddy and slippery. Always check local regulations for any restrictions on where you can fish or what methods are allowed.
Tides, water conditions, and navigation
The lower Nansemond is tidal, and tide timing affects water depth, current speed, and fish behavior. A rising tide pushes water upriver and can concentrate fish in certain areas; a falling tide drains water and can expose shallow flats. Check tide predictions for the Suffolk area before you fish, and plan your launch time accordingly. Incoming tide is often better for fishing because it brings baitfish and oxygenated water.
Water clarity varies by season and recent rainfall. Spring runoff can make the water murky, which can actually improve fishing because bass rely more on vibration and sound. Summer water is often clearer, so use more natural colors and smaller lures. After heavy rain, the river can rise quickly and become discolored; wait a day or two for it to settle before making a long trip.
The river bottom is mostly mud and sand, with deeper channels and shallow flats. Submerged logs, pilings from old structures, and vegetation provide cover for bass and catfish. A depth finder is helpful for locating these features, but you can also learn the river by fishing it repeatedly and noting where fish hold.
Regulations and what you need to know
Virginia requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or at most bait and tackle shops. A one-day license is available if you're just visiting, or you can buy an annual license if you plan to fish multiple times.
Bass have a minimum size limit (typically 12 inches) and a daily creel limit (usually 5 fish). Catfish have no minimum size but do have a daily limit. Shad and herring have their own regulations that can change year to year, so check the current rules before you fish. Some areas of the river may have special restrictions, so review the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regulations for Suffolk County.
Catch-and-release is encouraged for bass, especially during spawning season. If you keep fish for the table, handle them carefully and keep them on ice. The Nansemond is a working river with commercial traffic, so stay alert and keep to the right side of the channel when boating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish the Nansemond?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons for largemouth bass and shad runs. Summer is good for catfish, especially at night. Winter is slowest overall, but catfish remain catchable if you're willing to fish deeper and slower.
Do I need a boat to fish the Nansemond?
No. Shore fishing and wading are possible at public parks and designated areas. A boat gives you more water to cover and access to deeper holes, but you can catch fish from the bank, especially in spring and fall when bass move shallow.
What's the difference between the upper and lower river?
The lower river near the mouth is brackish and tidal, with saltwater influence that affects which fish are present. The upper river is freshwater and holds more largemouth bass and catfish. Shad and herring run through both sections during their seasonal migrations.
Can I fish the Nansemond in winter?
Yes, but the bite is slower. Bass move deep and hold tight to structure, making them harder to catch. Catfish are more reliable in winter and bite throughout the day if you fish the deepest holes with live or cut bait.
Where do I get bait for catfish?
Local bait and tackle shops in Suffolk carry chicken liver, cut shad, and live bluegill. You can also catch your own bluegill or shiners using small jigs or live crickets, then use them as catfish bait. Many anglers keep shad during the spring run and freeze them for summer catfishing.