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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

48

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Beautifully warm weather this week with near perfect water flows!!!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/24/25

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 65. West wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. TuesdayA chance of rain, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday NightA chance of rain, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 29. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 57. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 37. FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 66. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 50. SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 72. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 54. SundayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/24/25

Water levels are dropping and temps are rising! We should see some improving action this week.

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.