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

Fall weather is here with sunny and cool weather. Afternoon hours should provide better action.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/5/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. TonightPatchy frost after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 38. Calm wind. TuesdayPatchy frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind. Tuesday NightClear, with a low around 42. Calm wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 76. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday NightClear, with a low around 48. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 76. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 47. FridaySunny, with a high near 74. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 49. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 71. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 47. SundayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/5/26

Fish late in the day for a good topwater bite!

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
Eastern Green Drake N/A
CK Baitfish white, olive, tan 1
Clawdad black, brown, tan 2,4,6,8
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.

4.99

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.