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

Watch the radar and the weather forecasts. More rain is in the forecast mid week!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/19/25

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 47. North wind 3 to 6 mph. TuesdayA slight chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday NightShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11pm. Low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. WednesdayA chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 68. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday NightShowers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers. Low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 80%. ThursdayA chance of showers after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 45. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 63. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 44. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 69. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 45. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/19/25

Water levels are good as of Monday the 19th. Clarity is running 4-5 feet. A good time to fish streamers below the riffles and along the current seams. Keep an eye on storms Tuesday night into Thursday!

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.