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

Water is super low and clear. Topwater fishing has been good!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/29/26

Detailed Forecast TodayIsolated showers and thunderstorms between noon and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. TonightPatchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdayPatchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. WednesdaySunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind. Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 72. ThursdaySunny and hot, with a high near 100. Thursday NightClear, with a low around 73. FridayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 73. Independence DayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Saturday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/29/26

Stable but HOT weather early this week and then hot with possible rain/thunderstorms 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
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.