Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - November 1, 2023

At this time of year the bass are spread throughout the best feeding stations.  I do well with a two-fly rig of a Bass Dragonfly Nymph and Bass Stonefly Nymph on a Sink Tip III line in the 4 to 6 foot deep cuts between the river-crossing limestone ledges. A slow fly lifting action is very productive. A Murray's Fluorocarbon Leader 9ft 2X is a good leader for fishing nymphs deeply. Not only does it sink but it is also more abrasion resistant against the rocks versus a regular nylon leader. The Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauders size 4 and Murray's Magnum Streamers size 4 (darter or hog sucker) are also excellent for fishing in the deep pools. 

Over the next few weeks the bass will continue to move to the deeper water preparing for the winter. 

Both the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable.  We have been doing better on the South Fork but keep in mind that the water levels are much lower than they normally are for this time of year. Wade or float carefully.  Lots of times we are spooking the bass and not even realizing it.