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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Fall weather is here with sunny and cool weather. Afternoon hours should provide better action.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 11/9/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. TonightIncreasing clouds, with a low around 34. Calm wind. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind. Veterans DaySunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightA slight chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ThursdayRain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Thursday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 40%. FridayA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 29. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 48. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 27. SundaySunny, with a high near 53.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/9/26

Cold weather tactics as most of our fish are in their deep winter holes right now.

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.