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

Bass are continually migrating to their winter holes this month. We have some overcast and rainy weather mid week that could help with streamflow. A good boost in water flow will be very helpful for fishing the next few weeks.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/6/25

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 81. South wind around 7 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 55. South wind 3 to 7 mph. TuesdayA chance of showers after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 61. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. WednesdayShowers before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm. High near 70. Light northwest wind becoming north 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 40. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 62. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. FridaySunny, with a high near 64. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 42. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 68. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 45. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/6/25

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.