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

Watch the radar and the weather forecasts. It is looking like we will be getting a significant amount of rain this week.

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Map of  South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/12/25

Detailed Forecast TodayA chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 69. South wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. TonightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 5am. Low around 60. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. TuesdayShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. High near 68. East wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Tuesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Low around 60. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. WednesdayA chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 73. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Wednesday NightShowers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 80%. ThursdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Thursday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%. FridayA chance of showers between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Saturday NightA chance of thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/12/25

Watch for rising water we have inches in the forecast for 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.

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.