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 weather with a little bump in water flow should really improve fishing this week!

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/7/26

Detailed Forecast Labor DaySunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. TonightPatchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind. TuesdayPatchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 59. Light southwest wind. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 65. ThursdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 40%. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 82. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 60. SaturdayA slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 63. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/7/26

Enjoy the bump in water flow this week and keep an eye out for more rain Thursday and Friday.

Local Species Available March-September for Smallmouth, Carp, and Largemouth, Year-Round Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth Bass

  • Fish Icon

    Carp

  • Fish Icon

    Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Largemouth

  • Fish Icon

    Redbreast Sunfish

  • Fish Icon

    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

Buy Now

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.