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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

76

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Heat Dome this week will create some very hot days until Thursday when more rain is on the way. We have above average water flows with stained conditions right now. hopefully we will have more clean water by the end of the week. Cooler weather in the 70s will land this coming weekend.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/28/25

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 91. North wind 3 to 6 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind. WednesdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%. ThursdayA chance of thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 84. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Thursday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 80%. FridayA chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 76. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 57. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/28/25

Tie some flies and organize your gear so you are ready when water levels drop!

Local Species Available March-September for Smallmouth, Carp, and Largemouth, Year-Round Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth Bass

  • Fish Icon

    Carp

  • Fish Icon

    Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Largemouth

  • Fish Icon

    Redbreast Sunfish

  • Fish Icon

    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

Buy Now

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.