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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Low and clear conditions with an amazing topwater bite early this season!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/27/26

Detailed Forecast This AfternoonSunny, with a high near 67. Southeast wind around 6 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 42. South wind 3 to 6 mph. TuesdayShowers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. High near 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday NightA slight chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%. WednesdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 66. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 62. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 63. Friday NightA chance of showers after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 35. SundaySunny, with a high near 63.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/27/26

Spawn is mostly done. You will find some smaller fish still in the midst of spawning or attempting but everything happened early this year with the warm water temps.

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.