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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

35

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

We think that outside of a few cold nights here and there spring may have officially sprung here in the Valley! Big bass are more active in this 55 degree water and the musky are feeding right now before spawn.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/9/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 47. Light south wind. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightIncreasing clouds, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. WednesdayA chance of rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Wednesday NightRain likely, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 60%. ThursdayRain likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 30. FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 57. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 37. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 59. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 39. SundayMostly cloudy, with a high near 65.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/9/26

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.