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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 35°

Temp:

35°

Water Temp:

40

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water levels are in good shape but we will trend colder this week and that will likely slow the bite.

Directions open in app

Map of  South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/18/24

Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. TuesdaySunny, with a high near 53. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 36. Southwest wind around 10 mph. WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a west wind 8 to 13 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Wednesday NightClear, with a low around 28. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 52. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 28. FridayA chance of rain after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightA chance of rain before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 54. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 31. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/18/24

Now would be a good time to hunt musky or a big winter bass. You will find them in the largest and deepest pools with the most structure!

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.

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.