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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Get the streamers out while we have higher flows and stained water early this week!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/14/26

Detailed Forecast OvernightPatchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind. TuesdayPatchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind. Tuesday NightClear, with a low around 63. Calm wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind. Wednesday NightClear, with a low around 69. Calm wind. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 94. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 69. FridayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%. SaturdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Sunday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%. MondayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/26

Enjoy the bump in water flow this week and keep an eye out for more rain later this week!

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.