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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Warmer than typical for March with temps some days in the 70's and upper 70's. This should help keep water temps at prime levels for good fishing. 50-55 usually brings about fairly consistent bites from bigger fish!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/31/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonMostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. WednesdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%. ThursdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday NightA chance of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayA chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Saturday NightA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayShowers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday NightShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 60%. MondayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/31/26

Water is up and clearing. We should have some good fishing by the weekend for big winter bass and musky!

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.