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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

35

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water levels are up a bit but the river is at a fishable color. Watch the windy days and cold weather ahead. We will have a few good days until around Thursday when things get cold again.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 1/12/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind around 6 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 26. Light south wind. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 52. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Tuesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. WednesdayA chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Wednesday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 50%. ThursdayA chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 16. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 34. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 21. SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 40. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 18. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/12/26

It is musky season!

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.