Fishing Season: March-September for Smallmouth, Carp, and Largemouth, Year-Round Musky

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

57

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water is low, clear, and warming. Try topwater right now as the conditions are prime for big topwater explosions.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/13/24

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 77. South wind 9 to 11 mph. TonightA chance of showers, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TuesdayShowers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 68. South wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Low around 59. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. WednesdayA chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 72. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Wednesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 80%. ThursdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 50%. SaturdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Saturday NightA chance of thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/13/24

Bass are currently spawning. Be careful not to take males off nests loaded with fry as those baby bass will be extremely vulnerable to predators. Fish the current edges adjacent to spawning areas for bass that have completed spawn and are actively feeding.

Local Species Available March-September for Smallmouth, Carp, and Largemouth, Year-Round Musky

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    Smallmouth Bass

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    Carp

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    Musky

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    Largemouth

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    Redbreast Sunfish

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    Rock Bass

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Clouser Minnow White 4,6
Moto's Minnow N/A
Lefty's Deceiver White 1/0, 1, 2
Blados Crease Fly N/A
CK Baitfish white, olive, tan 1
Clawdad black, brown, tan 2,4,6,8
Eastern Green Drake N/A
Madtom Sculpin Black 2,4
Trow Minnow White, Gold, Black 2-6

Clouser Minnow

This fly is arguably the best all-around and most recommended saltwater fly ever tied.

3.99

Item #02JX

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Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Recommended Gear

Description: About South Fork of Shenandoah River

The South Fork of the Shenandoah is one of Virginia's premier smallmouth bass fisheries. This river is very tame with rapids rarely hitting class II or even III. Most of the South Fork can be floated in a tube or canoe. Wading is difficult as there are very deep holes along the river and the only public access is at the VDGIF boat landings. Smallmouth Bass fishing is outstanding from March through September. The South Fork also holds some very big largemouth bass, carp, and musky. This is truly one of Virginia's most diverse warm water fisheries. Our shop is located 15 miles from the South Fork and you can find one of our boats on it every day in Give us a call any time for more details!

Nearest Airport:

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport

Hatches:

No major hatches until spring

Best Time to Fish:

Anytime

Best Stretch:

All stretches are fishing the same.

Best Access:

All access points are through the VDGIF designated public boat launches. All boat launches are currently clean and manageable.