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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Watch the weather as we have storms in the forecast just about every day with extreme wind and possible flooding!

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Map of  South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/6/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonScattered showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 89. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. TonightShowers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then isolated showers between 2am and 3am. Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. TuesdayShowers and thunderstorms likely before 3pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 3pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4pm. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 83. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. WednesdayA chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%. ThursdayA slight chance of thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayShowers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/6/26

Stable but HOT weather early this week and then hot with possible rain/thunderstorms later 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.

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.