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

Hopefully getting rain mid week so get your streamers ready!!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/4/26

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind around 8 mph. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 79. Breezy, with a southwest wind 8 to 13 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph. Tuesday NightShowers likely after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. WednesdayShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 74. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Wednesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 80%. ThursdayShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 62. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridaySunny, with a high near 65. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 43. SaturdayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 44. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/4/26

Spawn is mostly done. You will find some smaller fish still in the midst of spawning or attempting but everything happened early this year with the warm water temps.

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.