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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Clear and slowly dropping water with warmer than usual weather should make for some good bass fishing for the next 10 days. Crayfish and baitfish patterns deep along the bottom and possibly a few topwater eats late in the afternoon on warm days.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/28/24

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 62. South wind 5 to 8 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind 3 to 6 mph. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 68. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 6 mph. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 52. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 76. Thursday NightA chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 39. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 63. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 41. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/28/24

Get out and enjoy some of the last bit of fall smallmouth fishing while conditions are in good shape!

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.