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

Weather reset from hot to mild. We have some nights below or around freezing. Fishing will be tough a few days and then should be better by the weekend.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/20/26

Detailed Forecast TodayScattered sprinkles before noon, then scattered sprinkles after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. TonightWidespread frost after 2am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayWidespread frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southwest wind around 6 mph. WednesdayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 48. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 80. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 52. FridaySunny, with a high near 82. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 56. SaturdayShowers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday NightShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/20/26

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.