Water flow: above average
Visibility: 30 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 39 Degrees F
Water condition: Slightly Turbid
Best time of day to fish: Anytime
Best stretch: All stretches are fishing the same.
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:
Tricos and caddis are around in the mornings and damselflies and dragonflies are still available for fish.
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' 7 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line: Freshwater Bass WF Fly Line
Best sinking fly line: Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line
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 river is running very high and cold. It will need to drop significantly for good fishing to resume.
Detailed Forecast TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 51. South wind around 6 mph. TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 26. Light south wind. ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 51. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Light south wind. FridayA chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Friday NightRain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers before 3am, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 60%. SaturdayA chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain showers between noon and 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 26. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 41. Sunday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 26. M.L.King DayPartly sunny, with a high near 40. Monday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 25. TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 44.