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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

35

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Watch the weather. It is looking very cold for the next 10 days!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 2/2/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonSunny, with a high near 34. Calm wind. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 16. Calm wind. TuesdayA chance of rain and snow, mainly after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday NightA chance of rain and snow before 10pm, then a chance of snow between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. WednesdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Light north wind. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 11. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 34. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 14. FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 42. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 15. SaturdaySunny, with a high near 27. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 10. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 31.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/2/26

Cold weather ahead! You may want to tie some flies while water temps take a deep dive!

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.