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

We have hot weather again this week and storms Monday-Tuesday. Conditions are muddy at the moment and water levels are dropping. We expect good fishing this week ahead of the next front. Topwater fishing with frogs and deer hair bugs should be excellent once the river cleans up.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/30/25

Detailed Forecast TodayShowers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. TonightShowers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Low around 70. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. TuesdayA chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 87. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tuesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Low around 66. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 63. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 87. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 63. Independence DaySunny, with a high near 86. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 63. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 88. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 68. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/30/25

If topwater doesn't produce a fish within around 15 minutes in different types of water immediately switch to a baitfish or crayfish pattern fished deep!

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.