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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

The super cold streak ends this week and we will see some days in the 50's again!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 12/15/25

Detailed Forecast TodayPartly sunny, with a high near 32. South wind 3 to 7 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 19. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 43. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. WednesdayPartly sunny, with a high near 55. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 31. ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 53. Thursday NightRain, mainly before 1am. Low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 80%. FridaySunny, with a high near 42. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 23. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 46. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 35. SundayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/15/25

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.