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 very low and fish are spooky but we have rain coming mid week and into next week. Watch the USGS gauges and the weather each day for thunderstorms and severe weather.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/18/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 7 mph. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. WednesdayA slight chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then showers likely. Low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 80%. ThursdayShowers. High near 67. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday NightShowers likely, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%. FridayShowers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Friday NightA chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 50%. SaturdayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 70%

Techniques & Tips as of 5/18/26

Spawn is done fish are in post spawn mode 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
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.