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

South Fork of Shenandoah River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 57°

Temp:

57°

Water Temp:

57

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Tip of the Week

Water is low, clear, and warming. Try topwater right now as the conditions are prime for big topwater explosions.

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Map of South Fork of Shenandoah River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/29/24

Detailed Forecast TodaySunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon. TonightMostly clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 10 mph. TuesdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tuesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers between midnight and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. WednesdayA chance of showers, mainly between 9am and 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Wednesday NightA slight chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ThursdaySunny, with a high near 83. Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 57. FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 83. Friday NightA chance of showers after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%. SaturdayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SundayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/29/24

Bass are starting to spawn all over the river system. Watch for males guarding nests in shallow ledges and fish the seams for the big females that have already dropped eggs. Many of the large bass will be in very specific spots this time of year so don't be discouraged if you are just fishing classic smallmouth water and not finding big fish. In a few weeks the fish will begin moving to their summer spots.

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.