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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

48

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Clear and warm weather is finally back!!!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/3/25

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 47. South wind 3 to 6 mph. TonightIncreasing clouds, with a low around 30. Light south wind. TuesdayPartly sunny, with a high near 57. Light south wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Tuesday NightShowers after 1am. Low around 46. South wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. WednesdayShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. High near 62. South wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 30%. ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 30. FridaySunny, with a high near 55. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 37. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 57. Saturday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 49.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/3/25

Water levels are dropping and temps are rising! We should see some improving action 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.