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

The weather continues to change in the forecast this week. Watch the radar and updates.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/3/26

Detailed Forecast TodayA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light north wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 63. Light north wind. TuesdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 82. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Tuesday NightA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. WednesdayA slight chance of showers before 11am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%. ThursdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/3/26

Enjoy the bump in water flow this week and keep an eye out for more rain later this week!

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.