Rivanna River
Rivanna River
- Boat Ramps
- 2
- Access Points
- 8
- Species
- 23
The Rivanna River is one of Virginia's most scenic waterways, flowing through the heart of the state with a rich history dating back to colonial times. Named after Queen Anne of England (as an abbreviation for River Anna), it holds the distinction of being Virginia's first governmentally-designated Scenic River. The Rivanna originates in the foothills and mountains west of Charlottesville, with headwaters reaching the eastern border of Shenandoah National Park. The river flows approximately 40 miles from the confluence of its North and South Forks near Charlottesville before joining the James River at Columbia. Throughout its course, the Rivanna offers diverse fishing opportunities in a peaceful setting characterized by beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Rivanna River and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black Redhorse
Moxostoma duquesnei
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Fallfish
Semotilus corporalis
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Quillback Carpsucker
Carpiodes cyprinus
Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Shorthead Redhorse Sucker
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Rivanna River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Rivanna River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Virginia licenses and regulations
Virginia Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Virginia Stream Access Laws
Virginia uses a strict navigable in fact test, where waterways must be capable of commercial trade and travel in their natural condition and public access is limited where navigable waters border private land. The state law isn’t fully developed and is arguably stricter than the federal title test. While state law is confusing and hasn’t been friendly to public access in the past, a 2015 court case opened up 14 rivers to public use that were previously off limits.
Virginia Fishing License
A Virginia fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 16 and over.
Virginia Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Take Rivanna River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Rivanna River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Rivanna River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Rivanna River and check the forecast before you go.
RIVANNA RIVER AT PALMYRA, VA
Fishing near Rivanna River
James River
Lake Anna
South Fork Shenandoah River
South River
Rappahannock River
Appomattox River
Beaver Creek Reservoir
South Fork Rivanna River
Rapidan River
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