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

Watch for wintry weather this week on Tuesday and Saturday morning.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 12/1/25

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. TonightA chance of sleet before 4am, then freezing rain likely between 4am and 5am, then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain after 5am. Low around 25. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible. TuesdayRain, freezing rain and sleet, possibly mixed with snow before 10am, then rain, possibly mixed with sleet between 10am and 1pm, then a slight chance of rain after 1pm. High near 43. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 41. Light and variable wind. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 23. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 43. Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 18. FridayA chance of snow after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of rain and snow before 1am, then a chance of freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 50%. SaturdayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 27. SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 44.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/1/25

It is musky season! Watch the wind as it is going to be cold with some nasty wind the next few days.

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.