Virginia Spring Fish Runs: White Bass, Hickory Shad and More

On the Dan River, usually in early April. That timing comes from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The day each year follows the water: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says white bass spawn once it reaches about 57.2°F.

On the James River, usually in late March through May. That timing comes from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The day each year follows the water: the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says hickory shad spawn once it reaches about 61°F.

On the Rappahannock River, in spring. That timing comes from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The day each year follows the water: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says river herring spawn once it reaches about 57°F.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives 57.2°F for white bass, the figure each Virginia verdict reads the water against. A single figure is a mark: water at or above it means the spawn can be on.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission gives 61°F for hickory shad, the figure each Virginia verdict reads the water against. A single figure is a mark: water at or above it means the spawn can be on.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources names Altavista, Long Island, Brookneal, Watkins Bridge and Staunton River State Park on the Staunton River.

A USGS gauge on the Rappahannock River reports the water temperature through the day. Each run card sets the latest reading against the spawning temperature: more than 5°F below the spawning temperature is Not yet, within 5°F is Getting close, inside the range is On, and above it late in the run is Winding down. The other runs follow their usual months.

No. The months are the usual window, and the water sets the day: a cold spring holds a run back, and a warm one brings it forward. In Virginia, the gauge readings on the run cards show where the water stands now.