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

Cooler weather this week will make for some great fishing weather and it should be sunny, clear, and calm most days. Water is running around average flow and clear. Topwater fishing should be excellent here moving forward for through next weekend!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/8/25

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind around 6 mph. TonightClear, with a low around 45. Calm wind. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 48. Calm wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 76. Light northeast wind. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 50. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 81. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 53. FridaySunny, with a high near 80. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 52. SaturdaySunny, with a high near 79. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 53. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/8/25

topwater bite has been good in the afternoon hours once the water temps bump up a bit.

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.