Flathead catfish thrive in the non-tidal waters of the 'Falls of the James', one of the unique features in Richmond, Virginia.  Fishing in this stretch of river is also very good for sunfish, smallmouth bass, channel cats and blue catfish.  Other species such as longnose gar and largemouth bass are always a possibility. 

Your guide will lead you on this action packed fishing experience on a 12-foot Discovery 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.

You will fish for sunfish and smallmouth bass while your guide leads you on a slow float through riffles, pools and islands.  When you arrive at the catfish holes, your guide will switch out your fishing gear so you can do battle with catfish in the 10-30 pound range.  So far, the James River Fishing School record flathead in this area is 34 pounds.  That is a big fish in less than ten feet of water! 

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

Flathead Catfish Outing

Enjoy this incredible half day fishing experience.  Each raft is limited to three anglers.  Departure time is 7AM. Morning trips are always highly recommended as you are off the water before the afternoon heat.  You'll meet your guide at Huguenot Flatwater in the James River Park System.  Click on the following link for directions:  Huguenot Flatwater

Half-Day, 5-hour trip.  One or two people,  $325.    Three people, $350.

Shore Lunch.  This is a truly unique way to add an hour to your trip and have a wonderfully prepared fresh fried catfish meal with all the trimmings on the bank of the river.  You'll enjoy 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:  Stuart is proudly displaying a nice catch.  He's holding about a 20 pound flathead cat.  Note the gloves (and smile).  Wearing gloves when handling these fish in the mouth is a good idea, as their thousands of little teeth can tear up your skin.  Guide Andrew, in the background, didn't take the photo, but he did a fine job leading Stuart to many fish like this one ... and he made sure Stuart wore gloves! -- Photo by Capt. Mike

To the right:  Jack's grandfather John booked them on a guided flathead fishing trip.  This picture is of Jack's first citation fish, a 26-pound flathead catfish!  You can still ask him today, and he'll tell you exactly how many fish he caught that day.  Just beyond the smile on this young angler's face is his 'gloved' hand, holding tightly to the inside the fishes mouth.  The funny thing about this fish ... when Jack released it the flathead took the glove off his hand and swam away with it.  I have so many left-handed gloves now!  -- Photo by John Wetlaufer

To the left:  Kate and her dad, Mike, are holding onto a longnose gar.  This fish was a surprise catch while out on a flathead fishing trip.  Kate caught the fish, and we all gasped as the fish jumped out of the water, right next to us.  The fish was so close, it looked at each one of use while its mouth full of teeth shook in fury, only inches away from the rubber raft.  One other note about this photo ... Mike and his family still fish with me each year, and Kate is getting ready to go to college now.  Wow, sometimes I look at these images and can't believe it's been so long since they were taken!  -- Photo by Capt. Mike

What do people have to say about this trip?  This fishing trip is a gem and right here in the heart of the Capital of Virginia ... Richmond!  This river is rich in history and scenery, but what's going on right now with the fishing is fantastic.   I guarantee you will love this trip.  

-Warren T.

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