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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

44

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Winter weather is here to stay for most of the week with highs in the low 40's and lows in the 20's and 30's. Temps will hit the 50's by the weekend making for some enjoyable weather for the end of the year! The spring creeks and larger freestone streams will be in the best shape for trout fishing. Musky fishing will be much more comfortable once the temps hit the upper 40's.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 12/23/24

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 37. South wind 6 to 8 mph. TonightIncreasing clouds, with a low around 22. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. TuesdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Calm wind. Tuesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind. Christmas DayMostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Calm wind. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 29. ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 45. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 27. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 47. Friday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 32. SaturdayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 40%. SundayA chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/23/24

Fish deep and slow as water temps are cold.

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.