rotti

The Rappahannock is not easy to strictly fish from the bank. Your best bet is to get out and wade, the area you mention is pretty shallow (except for some spots in the area where Embry Dam was). Most of the traditional river smallmouth baits will work there, including finesse worms, crawfish cranks, smaller rapalas, spinners, and curly tail grubs. This time of year, you can find fish in the areas with more current and those spots where the current breaks around structure. I'd recommend taking it slow, feel your way along the bottom, and thoroughly fish any section of the river you choose. You'll often spook many fish if you rush or may miss many good spots if you don't slow down. The area near the Mott's Run launch is decent to wade, if you're careful. Sometimes this is a crowded spot, so you may be better putting some distance between you and the regular access points. Check out the website maintained by Switch Fisher (just Google it) for some great info on local spots.