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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Our local weather is more 'spring like' for Virginia this week. Temps in the 50's and 60's with potential rain later this week. A big storm dropped some rain Sunday night into early Monday morning so we could see a slight bump in flows early this week. Big bass have been more aggressive lately with the temperatures warming up.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/23/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a temperature falling to around 53 by 5pm. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 26. North wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 32. Light southwest wind. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 63. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 43. ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 74. Thursday NightA chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 40%. FridayRain likely, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday NightA chance of rain before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdaySunny, with a high near 51. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 28. SundaySunny, with a high near 56.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/23/26

Water is up and clearing. We should have some good fishing by the weekend for big winter bass and musky!

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.