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

Cooler weather with a little bump in water flow should really improve fishing this week!

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/31/26

Detailed Forecast TodayA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 4pm and 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. TonightPatchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light southwest wind. TuesdayPatchy fog between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming west around 6 mph in the morning. Tuesday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. WednesdaySunny, with a high near 95. Light southwest wind. Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 72. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 95. Thursday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 20%. FridayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday NightA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 20%. SaturdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 60. SundayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/31/26

Enjoy the bump in water flow this week and keep an eye out for more rain Thursday and Friday.

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.