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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

79

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Stable and warmer weather this week means we should have some good topwater action continuing this week. A massive cold front arrives next week and will likely change the program a bit as fish transition to their deeper more sheltered winter areas!

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/2/23

Detailed Forecast TonightPatchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayPatchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 53. Light and variable wind. WednesdayPatchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 77. Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 57. FridayMostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Friday NightA chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 66. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 41. SundaySunny, with a high near 61. Sunday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 38. Columbus DayMostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/2/23

Baitfish and crayfish will rule the mornings and early afternoon hours.

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:

Dragonflies and Damselflies

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.