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

Warm this week with a threat of afternoon thunderstorms starting Tuesday. Hopefully we get some rain to help get us out of this drought.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/17/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TonightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 62. Calm wind. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind. Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 65. ThursdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Thursday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%. FridayShowers likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Friday NightShowers likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/17/26

Enjoy the bump in water flow this week and keep an eye out for more rain 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
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.