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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

35

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

The big thaw is upon us! Watch for rising water and dirty conditions this week as this ice melts.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 2/16/26

Detailed Forecast Washington's BirthdayMostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 49. Light and variable wind. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 32. Calm wind. TuesdayPartly sunny, with a high near 60. Light south wind. Tuesday NightCloudy, with a low around 43. Light southwest wind. WednesdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 45. ThursdayA chance of rain after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Thursday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%. FridayA chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 39. SaturdayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/16/26

The river is completely frozen in some spots but should start thawing today but we won't have fishable conditions for at least a week or 2.

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.