Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - November 15, 2023

Since the trout streams are low, I have more customers heading to the smallmouth rivers just trying to get in that last trip before winter sets in. My rule is to keep going until I get skunked three times. Try to go to areas that have feeder streams entering the river. Wade downstream from the upper reaches of the feeder, fanning your casts to all the water before you. Continue wading 40 feet out into the river covering all the water before you. Recommended flies for these areas include Murray's Black Madtom Sculpin, Murray's Heavy Chub Streamer, and Murray's Heavy Shiner size 6.  Don't hesitate to use a Murray's Crayfish (Olive) size 6 in these areas as well. Fish these on a 2X leader such as the Murray's Fluorocarbon Sinking Leader 9ft.

Both the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable.  The water levels are still low for this time of year so wade carefully.  Bring your chest high waders and for goodness sake, use the wader belt. A wading staff is recommended as well. Chapman's Landing on the North Fork is one of the areas that has a feeder stream as I discussed above. The South Fork has a little better water level than the North Fork and the area from Bixler Bridge downstream to Fosters Landing is some of my favorite water.

If you need help with access, stop by the fly shop or see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams.