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

We have some summer like weather ahead. With water levels being low, clear, and warm, we may see some early signs of spawn.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/13/26

Detailed Forecast TodayScattered showers, mainly between noon and 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TonightMostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayA slight chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 62. ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 88. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 61. FridaySunny, with a high near 85. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 58. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 89. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 59. SundayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/13/26

Bass are now moving towards their spawning locations.

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.