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

Big front is coming through bringing cold air and rain for the 1st part of the week seeing the first bit of significant rain in months. Hoping for a few inches through Thursday!!!

Directions open in app

Map of  South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/21/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonScattered showers and thunderstorms before 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3pm and 5pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. TonightA chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 9pm. Patchy fog after 10pm. Low around 60. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. TuesdayRain and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog. High near 65. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tuesday NightRain. Patchy fog. Low around 53. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. WednesdayRain. Patchy fog between 2pm and 5pm. High near 59. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday NightRain likely, mainly before 2am. Patchy fog after 11pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%. ThursdayA chance of rain, mainly before 8am. Patchy fog before 1pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 47. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 65. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 47. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 67. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 48. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 70.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/21/26

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.

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.