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

The Nor'Easter is still hanging around but we will have a warming trend this week with temps hitting the 80's again. So late summer fishing will be back in action.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/28/26

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind around 7 mph. TonightPatchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayPatchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the morning. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 55. Calm wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 57. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 86. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 61. FridayA chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/28/26

Fish late in the day for a good topwater bite!

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.