Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - July 26, 2023

I have had numerous customers emailing or calling to ask if the river is too high to fish.  Although some areas of Virginia has been receiving heavy rains, for our area we have only received a few rains but nothing to cause flooding. Although the streams are low, we are still able to land some nice bass and goggle eye.

The Clouser Crayfish, Olive size 6, Murray's Chartreuse Marauder size 6, Shenk's White Streamer size 6 and Dying Dace Minnow size 6 are working well underwater.  At dusk the large bass move into the shallow tails of the pools to feed on the chub and dace minnows. Here I switch to a Murray's Floating Chub or Dace Minnow in size 6. I wade into the upper section of the riffle just below the lip of the pool and fan my casts over all of the 2-3 feet deep water I can reach. Next I wade up the shallow side of the river and continue fishing my Floating Minnow. Fish all of these on a 9ft 2X leader.

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable in the Edinburg and Woodstock area. Downstream of Woodstock is experiencing problems with algae. I would recommend wading instead of floating.

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. This holds 3 times more water than the North Fork but keep in mind the conditions are still low. Wade carefully so you are not spooking the fish. If you plan to float in a kayak then I would recommend the South Fork. 

Fly Fishing Schools

• I still have a few openings in our Full Day Fly Fishing School on August 25. This starts at our fly shop with a classroom presentation and then continues on the river with hands on instruction.  Rod/Reel outfits are provided. For more information and to register, visit our website. 
• Our Half Day Fly Fishing Lessons start at the fly shop for a short meet and greet with the guide then off to the river for hands on instruction for a few hours. Rod/Reel outfits are provided.  Dates with a few openings: August 9, August 26, August 30, September 6  For more information and to register, visit our website.