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

Warm this week with a threat of afternoon thunderstorms starting Tuesday. Hopefully we get some rain to help get us out of this drought.

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Map of  South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/10/26

Detailed Forecast TodayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. TonightA slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. TuesdayA chance of showers between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tuesday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. WednesdayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%. ThursdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayA slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday NightA slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 20%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/10/26

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.

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.