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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

57

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water is dropping and clearing up but it is very cold at night. A lot of fish have started to sweep and spawn but they are in various stages with the cooling water temps. Fish the seems along the eddies right now.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/22/24

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 8 mph. TonightAreas of frost after 2am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayAreas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Tuesday NightA slight chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. WednesdayA slight chance of showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 62. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 39. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 65. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 43. SaturdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 53. SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 79.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/22/24

Now would be a good time to hunt musky or a big winter bass. You will find them in the largest and deepest pools with the most structure!

Local Species Available March-September for Smallmouth, Carp, and Largemouth, Year-Round Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth Bass

  • Fish Icon

    Carp

  • Fish Icon

    Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Largemouth

  • Fish Icon

    Redbreast Sunfish

  • Fish Icon

    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

Buy Now

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.