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

Fishing should be good this week with more stable weather.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/21/25

Detailed Forecast TodayScattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TonightScattered showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then isolated showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%. TuesdayPartly sunny, with a high near 77. Light northwest wind. Tuesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 51. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 76. Thursday NightA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayShowers likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 50. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 70.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/21/25

Mostly clear this week with temps in the 70's. Bass will likely be spawning at some point this week so be careful not to harass actively spawning fish or big males guarding nests!

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.