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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

48

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Favorable temps, overcast conditions, and bass in prespawn staging areas!!! Get out the big flies and go grab a big fish!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/2/25

Detailed Forecast TodayIsolated showers after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. TonightScattered showers, mainly after 5am. Patchy fog between 11pm and 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. ThursdayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. FridayA chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 64. SundayShowers likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday NightShowers likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 60%. MondayMostly sunny, with a high near 61. Monday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 34. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 53.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/2/25

Water levels are dropping and temps are rising! We should see some improving action this week.

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.