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

Cooler to start the week and then hot by the end of the week. Fishing will be technical with very low water levels right now. Prefrontal fishing Thursday may be your best bet for action.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/14/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 78. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 54. Calm wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 60. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 88. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 65. FridayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightA chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/14/26

Fish late in the day for a good topwater bite!

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
Eastern Green Drake N/A
CK Baitfish white, olive, tan 1
Clawdad black, brown, tan 2,4,6,8
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.

4.99

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.