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

We have some major storms Monday into Tuesday and then some cold and windy conditions that will turn more mild by the end of the week.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/16/26

Detailed Forecast TodayA chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 67. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. TonightRain showers, possibly mixing with snow after 9pm, then gradually ending. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 25. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 36. West wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 19. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. WednesdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 26. ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 55. Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 36. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 63. Friday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 43. SaturdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 42. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/16/26

Water is up and clearing. We should have some good fishing by the weekend for big winter bass and musky!

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.