Sturgeon Tour on the James ... this September, limited dates available.

The James River offers up its secrets at odd times, but to discover one, you have to be out there. At any moment of any month, an event can happen that becomes so special it can change someone's life. Spending time on the tidal James during the month of September can be absolutely extraordinary ... even life changing. For the month of September has become 'Sturgeon Watching' season.

Atlantic Sturgeon are a prehistoric fish that still roam the East Coast.  In fact, a small but growing population still migrates up the James River from August through October. September is when they explode from the rivers surface, breaching to show their massive frames. Imagine a 100 pound fish gathering speed as it swims from the depths of the James River towards the surface to hurl itself up and out of the river only for those who are there to see.  Catching a glimpse of a breaching, or leaping, sturgeon is a lifetime opportunity, and Discover The James is proud to announce just such an opportunity with our renewed Atlantic Sturgeon River Tour.

The Atlantic Sturgeon River Tour is truly "Discovering the James".  Seeing a sturgeon is not a guarantee on this tour, but with the amazing amount of other wildlife, and the beautiful scenery, it is always a wonderful opportunity to get out and experience the James River.  While Sturgeon Tours are only offered in September, the possibility of seeing a sturgeon is an added bonus during the the months of August through October. 

Cruise the late evening or early morning in the Discovery Barge II, a 24-foot pontoon boat from the section of the James called Jefferson's Reach in Varina, down river to Presquile Island National Wildlife Refuge or upriver towards Osborne Boat Landing. This section of river is also a world class bald eagle viewing area.  Deer, turkey, geese and hawks may also present and a watchful eye can spot them at a moments notice.  A small pop-up head (bathroom) is available on board.  

Atlantic sturgeon tours are for booked as a private tour only.  

Contact Capt. Mike at 804-938-2350 or email Mike@DiscovertheJames.com to book your trip.  

3-Hour Private Sturgeon Tour:   $760

Good for up to Six People

Limited Dates Available

Water Provided

Call as there may be additional availability

September 9, Tuesday, 4:00-7:00pm

September 16, Tuesday, 4:00-7:00pm

September 18, Thursday, 4:00-7:00pm

September 23, Tuesday, 4:00-7:00pm

September 25, Thursday, 4:00-7:00pm

The Photo's Stories:  Top, header:  Matt Balazik (seen in photo directly to the left) began his research on the Atlantic sturgeon of the James in 2007. Gradually, more people saw sturgeon breaching (jumping out of the water) oin the James River. Rare as it was at the time, on an early morning eagle tour, Don West snapped a photo from the hip as he turned, quickly pointed his camera toward a breach and snapped this photo. At the time, it was the greatest photo of a breaching sturgeon in the history of the James. In fact, it was the greatest photo of a breaching sturgeon in the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. I has my vote for the best ever. Thank you Don for being in the right place at the right time, with the right skill level and the appropriate amount of luck!  -- Photo by Don West

Bottom left:  The first Atlantic sturgeon caught in the late summer of 2011.  Here, Matt, prepares the fish to be weighed, measured and tagged for release.  Part of the research includes releasing these fish with tags that can be tracked by data recorded on a number of buoys along the James River.  Their coast wide movements are tracked and logged as they are studied by researchers along the East Coast.  --Photo credit:  VCU/Center for Environmental Studies