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 8/24/26

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 82. West wind around 7 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 52. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind. Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 58. Calm wind. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 65. ThursdayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%. FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 85. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 64. SundayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/24/26

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.