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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

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 11/2/26

Detailed Forecast TodayScattered sprinkles before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. South wind around 7 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 43. Light south wind. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 74. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 48. Light south wind. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 73. Light south wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Wednesday NightRain likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 60%. ThursdayRain likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday NightA chance of rain, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 40%. FridayA chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 46. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 64. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 37. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/2/26

Cold weather tactics as most of our fish are in their deep winter holes right now.

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.