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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water is up, high, dirty from over 5 inches of rain last week. We have more rain this week until Friday so anticipate not fishing until the weekend or next week possibly.

Directions open in app

Map of  South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/25/26

Detailed Forecast Memorial DayShowers and possibly a thunderstorm. Areas of fog before 2pm. High near 75. South wind around 6 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. TonightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11pm, then isolated showers between 11pm and 2am, then a chance of rain after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. TuesdayRain likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 3pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 3pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. High near 75. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%. WednesdayShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. High near 78. West wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Wednesday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 80. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 54. FridaySunny, with a high near 77. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 53. SaturdayA chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 52. SundayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/25/26

Tie some flies!

Local Species Available March-September for Smallmouth, Carp, and Largemouth, Year-Round Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth Bass

  • Fish Icon

    Carp

  • Fish Icon

    Musky

  • Fish Icon

    Largemouth

  • Fish Icon

    Redbreast Sunfish

  • Fish Icon

    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.

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.