Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 30, 2024

We have been getting some great smallmouth action over the last week.  The South Fork of the Shenandoah River has cleared and is back to normal levels. The North Fork of the Shenandoah is at perfect levels and running around 65 degrees. Therefore I am still using my chest high waders when wading. In another week or two I will start wet wading.

The hellgrammites are very active from the riffles for the next two hundred feet downstream over the cobblestone stream bottoms. They are as active in swimming as they are at crawling along the stream bottom. Put on a Murray's Heavy Black Hellgrammite size 4 or 6 and wade into the river right at the lower end of the riffle. Cast across the riffle at a 20 degree angle downstream. After the hellgrammite sinks deeply, strip it across the stream bottom by stripping it four-inches every 6 seconds. Continue this tactic as you wade slowly downstream for the next 200 feet then move to another riffle. Bigger flies attract bigger fish.  The size 4 Hellgrammite, Murray's Magnum Darter, Magnum Hog Sucker and Magnum Bluegill size 4 all provide a big mouthful. We have been picking up a few on poppers such as the Shenandoah Blue Popper size 4 and Shenandoah Chartreuse Chugger size 4. Fish all of these on a Bright Butt 9f 2X Leader along the shady banks.

Fly Fishing Schools

Our Full Day Fly Fishing Schools and Half Day Fly Fishing Lessons are starting to fill up for this summer.  Don't miss out--get registered today!

Book a guided fly fishing trip with us!. Take a float trip on the Shenandoah River or enjoy a wading trip with one of our guides.  Float trips are available for up to 2 people for $475.  Wading trips are available for $475 for 1-2 people ($50 for each additional) Limit 5 people. Call 540-984-4212 for more info and to book.