Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - November 22, 2023

As the rivers get cooler the smallmouth seek feeding stations in deeper water where there is a minimum amount of current. They also want a good population of minnows to feed them through the winter. The 6-ft deep back eddies are often ideal. Many of these are from 40-50ft in diameter which explains why they often hold large populations of smallmouths. Large slow moving minnows are perfect prey for these large bass so the Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauders size 4 in pearl, black or olive are an ideal fly to use now.

Our area received about 2 inches of rain over the last few days, causing the North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River to look much better than it has over the last 2 months. Clear and fishable, perfect for the Thanksgiving Day weekend. Bring your chest high waders! 

The fly shop will be closing at 1p.m. on 11/22/23, closed for Thanksgiving Day, and resume normal hours on Friday 11/24/23 at 9a.m. We hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!