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

Water is just about perfect!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/1/26

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 7 mph. TonightMostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Light northeast wind. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 50. Light and variable wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 55. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 83. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 59. FridaySunny, with a high near 87. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 62. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 87. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 64. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/1/26

Get after it now!

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.