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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

32

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Get your gear prepped to get out and fish this coming weekend or next week once the ice melts!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 1/27/25

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonSunny, with a high near 49. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 51. South wind 10 to 14 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 29. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 56. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 25. Breezy. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 48. Thursday NightA chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayRain likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday NightRain likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 29. SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 43.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/27/25

Ice and snow will melt this week creating some very cold water. By the weekend we have a threat of rain so we will be monitoring water levels and temperatures.

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.