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

Fall weather is here with sunny and cool weather. Afternoon hours should provide better action.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/12/26

Columbus DayMostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind around 10 mph. TonightPatchy fog before 4am, then patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightA slight chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ThursdayA chance of showers, mainly after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Thursday NightA slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 20%. FridayA slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 42. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 33. SundaySunny, with a high near 57.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/12/26

Water is up for the first time in months. It has started dropping on Monday. There should be a good bite once the water clears up and before the next front moves in!

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
Eastern Green Drake N/A
CK Baitfish white, olive, tan 1
Clawdad black, brown, tan 2,4,6,8
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.

4.99

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.