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

Hot weather and falling water. Look for a good topwater bite this week!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/8/26

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph. TonightMostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. TuesdayPartly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Tuesday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 7 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. WednesdayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%. ThursdayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday NightA chance of thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/8/26

Stable but HOT weather early this week and then hot with possible rain/thunderstorms 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.