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

Fall weather is here with sunny and cool weather. Afternoon hours should provide better action.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/19/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 64. North wind 3 to 8 mph. TonightClear, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 67. North wind 5 to 9 mph. Tuesday NightClear, with a low around 40. North wind 3 to 5 mph. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 64. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday NightClear, with a low around 38. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 67. Thursday NightClear, with a low around 41. FridaySunny, with a high near 62. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. SaturdaySunny, with a high near 59. Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. SundaySunny, with a high near 63.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/19/26

Water is up for the first time in months. It has started dropping on Monday. There should be a good bite once the water clears up and before the next front moves in!

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.