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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Cold nights and mild days until the end of the week then warm again for the weekend. Bass fishing should really start to get good as the big bass start migrating towards their spawning areas. True prespawn bite is going to be in effect really soon!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/6/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonSunny, with a high near 60. West wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind 3 to 6 mph. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 31. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 63. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 40. FridaySunny, with a high near 72. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 48. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 77. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 52. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/6/26

Water is up and clearing. We should have some good fishing by the weekend for big winter bass and musky!

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.