Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 19, 2022

The key to smallmouth bass fishing at this time of year depends on one thing--water temperature. From personal experience, the smallmouth bass usually don't feed unless the water temperature is 55 or above. The bass are not in the 1-3 feet water along the banks, like they were in the summertime.  They have moved to the 3-5 feet deep water. On a day like today, when the air temperature is only in the 40's, I don't expect you to get much action.  Now this weekend when the air temperature is predicted to be in the 60's to 70's, then take an afternoon and hit the river. Use a Sink Tip Line or a fast sinking head line to fish a Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauder (black) size 4 in the deep runs right below the riffles where the bass are feeding. I have often found that it is helpful to have different colors available in your fly box of the same fly. Therefore, I keep an olive and a pearl color of this same fly and switch every so often. 

If you are wading, bring your chest high waders and for added support, bring a wading staff.  If you are floating in a kayak or canoe, try to anchor just upstream of deeper pools. 

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable.  You will have a little better water volume in the Edinburg and Woodstock areas.  The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable.  There are many places to wade or float the South Fork. For information on access, see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams or stop by the fly shop.