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

Hot weather returns and water levels are dropping. Fishing should resume later this week once the river cleans up.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/9/25

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. TonightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TuesdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 58. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 88. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 63. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday NightShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/9/25

Get out the big streamers and heavy crayfish flies!

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.