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

Cold weather returns with some crazy wind. Watch for gusts up to 50mph today and Monday night. Gusts over 20mph will last through the middle part of the week with cold weather on the backside of this front. Highs in the low 40's and lows in the 20's are coming by the end of the week and through the weekend.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 12/29/25

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 31 by 5pm. Windy, with a west wind 24 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 20. Breezy, with a west wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 32. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 20. Southwest wind around 6 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Wednesday NightA slight chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New Year's DayMostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 16. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 43. Friday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 25. SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 42. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 24. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/29/25

It is musky season!

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.