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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Cold and blustery most of the week with warmer sunny weather returning Friday and into the weekend. We expect the last of the leaves to be GONE by the end of the week with wind gusts over 30mph for the next few days. It may be best to hold off any bass or musky fishing until this wind dies off.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 11/10/25

Detailed Forecast TodayPartly sunny, with a high near 44. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. TonightMostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 23. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Veterans DaySunny, with a high near 42. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 29. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 58. West wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 34. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 55. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 31. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 60. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 38. SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 59. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 39. SundayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/10/25

Smallmouth bass fishing is slowing down with the recent temp drop and cold fronts pushing through. Musky fishing will be good on days the leaves are not choking up holes and runs.

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.