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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

44

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water temps are cool early this week but we should see a big spike by Thursday and Friday. Bass fishing should crank up and musky may be getting ready to move to spawn.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 3/27/23

Detailed Forecast TodayScattered showers, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 39. North wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. TuesdayA slight chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday NightA chance of showers, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 58. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 34. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 61. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 39. FridayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Friday NightRain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%. SaturdayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy. SundaySunny, with a high near 59.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/27/23

Bass fishing has picked up with the recent warm weather and low clear water conditions. Many of the bass are still in or near their winter holes. Musky are getting finicky as they prepare to spawn. Be ready to fish smallmouth in the deep ledges, largemouth near submerged deep timber, and musky in the deepest holes.

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.