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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Cold with weather coming in mid week. You could see some good musky fishing on the front side of the front. Water levels could come up and will likely be dirty in the end of the week.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/27/25

Detailed Forecast TodayPartly sunny, with a high near 58. East wind 5 to 7 mph. TonightMostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind around 6 mph. TuesdayA chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday NightA chance of showers, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. WednesdayRain likely, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday NightRain. Low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 90%. ThursdayRain. High near 56. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday NightRain likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 60%. FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 54. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 38. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 56. Saturday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 37. SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 56.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/27/25

Smallmouth bass fishing is slowing down with the recent temp drop and cold fronts pushing through. Musky fishing will be good on days the leaves are not choking up holes and runs.

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.

3.99

Item #02JX

Buy Now

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.