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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Warm and stable weather much of the week. A front pushes through Tuesday and Wednesday bringing a spot of rain and overcast conditions for the first time in almost a month. Overcast weather should help with the fish being so spooky!

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/15/25

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. TonightMostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Light and variable wind becoming north around 6 mph after midnight. TuesdayA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tuesday NightA chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. WednesdayA chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Wednesday NightA slight chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 80. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 57. FridaySunny, with a high near 85. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 56. SaturdaySunny, with a high near 78. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 56. SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 75.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/15/25

topwater bite has been good in the afternoon hours once the water temps bump up a bit.

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.