Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 12, 2022

The dragonfly nymph is a big mean-looking nymph living on the stream bottom around brush piles and old logs. A very effective technique is to fish it along the stream bottom in the areas mentioned above with a slow darting action.  Another tactics is to use this on a dry-dropper set up with a Shenandoah Blue Popper on the top and the nymph on the bottom. Fish these on a Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader. 

The Tungsten Cone Head Marauders in size 4 are working well in the deeper water. 

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is full but fishable.  After the rains last week the levels are returning to normal.  There is still a little extra flow so be cautious on your wading. The areas of Mount Jackson to Woodstock are doing the best at this time.   The South Fork of the Shenandoah is still carrying some extra water but should be in good shape by later today or tomorrow.  If is still carrying a little too much water for safe wading but I feel you will do well by floating this Fork.

For more information on access to the Shenandoah River, see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams or stop by the fly shop to see our master map.