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

Watch the weather this week. An inch of rain is in the forecast early this week with sleet in the forecast later in the week. It is going to be a chilly one!

Fishing Report Last Updated:

11 / 12 / 2018

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 Fish somewhere else this week

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:

Water flow: High and clearing.

Visibility: 5 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 48 Degrees F

Water condition: Moderately Turbid

Best time of day to fish: Afternoon to Evening Hours

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:

Watch out for the leaf hatch.

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' 11 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: Freshwater Bass WF Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Streamer Stripper Sink Tip Fly Line

Fly Name:	Fly Color:	Fly Size(s):
Clouser Minnow	White	4,6
Moto's Minnow
Lefty's Deceiver	White	1/0, 1, 2
Blados Crease Fly
Eastern Green Drake

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

Get ready for musky fishing.

7-Day Forecast

Detailed Forecast TodayRain likely, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 45. South wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. TonightRain before 4am. Low around 38. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. TuesdayA chance of rain before 10am, then a chance of showers between 10am and 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tuesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. WednesdayPartly sunny, with a high near 42. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday NightA chance of freezing rain and sleet after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 40%. ThursdayRain, freezing rain, and sleet. High near 35. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday NightRain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 70%. FridayA chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 33. SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 49. Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 30. SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 43.