Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 17, 2023

Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 17, 2023

The North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are in great condition.  We have been doing well by either wading or floating. If you are interested in a short  float in your kayak or canoe then consider the Seven Bends State Park in Woodstock.  You can put in at the Hollingsworth access and take out at the Lupton access.  This is a nice stretch of water for this time of year.  If you are looking for longer floats then go to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and consider Bealer's Ferry to Foster's Landing. For wading trips I would recommend downstream of Chapman's Landing or downstream of Lupton at the Seven Bends State Park on the North Fork.  On the South Fork any access downstream of Bixler's bridge would be fine. If you need help on access stop by the fly shop or see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams.

Recommended flies for underwater: Shenk's White Streamer, Pearl Marauder, Chartreuse Marauder, and Murray's Crayfish (olive) all in size 6 and the  Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph (olive) in size 8. You can fish all of these on a Murray's Fluorocarbon 9ft 2X Sinking leader.   Recommended flies for topwater: Murray's Chugger Frog size 4 and Murray's Bass Popper, Frog.  Fish these on a Bright Butt 9ft 2X Leader.

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