7The James River is Virginia's premier river for recreation, and the James River Guide is the key to enjoying it, whether you are an angler, kayaker, rafter, or bird watcher. Twenty-nine locator maps provide vital information on the river, all the way from its headwaters near Iron Gate to the dramatic fall line at Richmond. The longest river in the Old Dominion, the James offers some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state. Spring blossoms, fall color, and the fascinating history of the batteaux era's canals lend the James a unique charm. There is something for everyone. River runners will face everything from placid stretches of calm water to white-water rapids that should only be tackled by the most experienced paddler. This new edition for 2015 includes updated and expanded information on favorite float trips, including new coverage of the marvelous Maury River, the main tributary of the Upper James; favorite fishing spots; updated access points; classic fishing lures; and directories of river guides and other resources.