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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

We have a nice bump in flows from rain last week and we are expecting quite a bit of rain Tuesday in some storms. Watch for down limbs and trees if you float later this week as high winds Tuesday night are expected.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/20/26

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. TonightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%. TuesdayShowers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then showers likely after 2am. Low around 67. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. WednesdayShowers likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 58. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 78. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 58. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 79. Friday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 20%. SaturdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 63. SundayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/20/26

Enjoy the bump in water flow this week and keep an eye out for more rain later this week!

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.