Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - August 21, 2024

Plan to go to the river about 2 hours before dark. Put on a size 4 Shenandoah Chartreuse Chugger on a Bright Butt 9ft 0X leader. Rip this Chugger over all of the flat water you can reach and you'll catch some dandies. I like to do this above the dams in the deep water to avoid the grass. If feasible, I like to stay on the water until after dark with this technique.  Not all areas of the river are open to fishing after dark, so plan accordingly. 

If you see Hexagenia, put on a Mr. Rapidan Skater size 8 on a Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader.  Dress both the fly and your leader with dry fly floatant. Skate it across the water in 5 second strips.

The recent rains have been great for the Shenandoah River. We are catching many bass on the Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite size 4  and Rubber Leg Nymph, brown size 8 fished right below the riffles. 

Both the North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable.  Wade as carefully as you can since the water is so clear and the bass are wary. Fish the shady banks in the middle of the afternoon. If you need help on access, stop by the fly shop and take a look at our master map or give us a call.