Channel cats and blue cats can be caught in the flatwaters on the 'Falls of the James', a wonderful place to spend time and fish along the numerous riffles, shallows and holes.  Lots of big boulders, both above the surface and below make this area a hot spot for three species of catfish ... flathead catfish, blue catfish and channel catfish.  While the flathead remains king here, there are a number of citation sized (30 pound) blue catfish caught here every year along with many channel catfish in the two to ten pound range.  On occasion, citation sized channels are caught, at twelve pounds or better.  

This trip is a great outing and can be used as a 'back-up' plan for the flathead catfish trip.  From nearly the start of the trip you can fish for channels and blues.  Muddy water heats up the channel and blue catfishing action too, so this outing makes for a superb back-up plan, or a great trip to book in itself!

On this excursion, your guide will lead you to the many holes along the mile long float.  You'll fish the entire time for catfish using fresh cut bait from the Discovery Raft, a 12-foot inflatable raft.  The raft offers excellent stability on the flatwaters and is comfortable for up to three anglers.  All fishing gear, tackle, water and snacks are provided.

Come and enjoy the scenery, wildlife, history and excellent fishing.  You'll also love our guides.

Channel & Blue Catfish Outing

Enjoy this great fishing experience on a half or full day trip.  Each raft is limited to three anglers.  Best departure time is 7AM but on a half day, later departure times are available.  You'll meet your guide at Huguenot Flatwater.  Click on the following link for directions:  Huguenot Flatwater.

Half-Day, 5-hour trip.  One or two people,  $290.    Three people, $340.

Full-Day, 8-hour trip.  One to three people, $425.

Shore Lunch.  This is a truly unique way to add an hour to your trip and have a wonderfully prepared lunch.  Enjoy a fresh fried catfish meal with all the trimmings on the bank of the river.  The shore lunch includes fried flathead or blue catfish, cole slaw, potato salad and drinks.  Cost for this unique add on is $85 per raft.

For more information or to book your fishing trip, contact Capt. Mike Ostrander at 804-938-2350.

More than three anglers?  For trips with more than three a second raft and guide is needed.  You will receive the 'Discover the James' second raft bonus!! 10% off the cost of the second raft ... all right!

The photo's stories?  Top, right:  I love this image!  It brightens the early morning sky and whispers the words ... "The Magic of Fishing." -- Photo by Capt. Mike

Lower, right:  A couple of expert fishermen on the James.  Glenn and Stuart fish about a mile above where the above image was taken.  Here the river runs slow and clear most of the time, making smallmouth bass, sunfish and catfish fishing some of the best in the area.  -- Photo by Capt. Mike