South Fork of Shenandoah River | Virginia Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions

Fish a big crayfish fly deep along the bottom with a floating fly line. Use the tip of your line as your indicator and strike hard at any movement of the tip of the line that isn't bottom. Be sure to continue to mend and keep in contact with your fly so it doesn't hang up on the bottom.

Fishing Report Last Updated:

5 / 13 / 2013

Choose A Different River Here

Holston River, South Fork
Jackson River, Above Lake Moomaw
Jackson River, Tailwaters
James River
Mossy Creek
Potomac River, Tidal Portion
Rivanna River
Small Streams In Blue Ridge Mountains
Upper James River

Fishing Conditions

Fly Fishing South Fork of Shenandoah River is currently Good

Water flow: full

Visibility: 40 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish: All Day!

Best stretch: All stretches

Best access point: All access points are through the VDGIF designated public boat launches. All boat launches are currently clean and manageable.

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

Bugs are hatching but we are focusing on fishing crayfish and baitfish patterns. The smallmouth bass are in their prespawn mode and will be spawning over the next 3 weeks! Start looking for 17 year cicadas over the next few weeks

Fish species: Smallmouth Bass, Carp, Musky, Largemouth, Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass

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

Nearest airport: Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport

Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader

Recommended fly fishing tippet: 0X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 8 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: Bass Freshwater WF

Best sinking fly line: Depth Charge Full Sink

Fly Name:	Fly Color:	Fly Size(s):
Sneaky Pete Popper	White	4,6

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

Shenandoah River, South Fork Description

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. ...

Techniques & Tips

Water levels are still very high and dirty. the river will be high for the next 5-6 days.

7-Day Forecast

Good steady weather. Highs in the 60s lows in the 40s