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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Another cold start to the week with a warming trend by the end of the week and through the weekend. We may see some rain Tuesday night and then again Thur night into Saturday morning. Not hopeful for a bunch of rain but any moisture will be helpful.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 11/17/25

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 51. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 28. Light and variable wind. TuesdayRain likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday NightRain likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 41. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 62. Thursday NightA chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 40%. FridayA chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 50%. SaturdayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 43. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 60.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/17/25

Smallmouth bass fishing is slowing down with the recent temp drop and cold fronts pushing through. Musky fishing will be good on days the leaves are not choking up holes and runs.

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.