Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 23, 2024

The water temperature is dropping and the smallmouth are moving to deeper pools in the river. The Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite size 4 works well in these conditions. Here is a trick worth considering.  Come off the bend of the Heavy Hellgrammite with 36 inches of 2X mono and place a Bass Stonefly Nymph size 4 on this as a dropper. Fish this below the riffles with a very slow stripping action. If the week growth in the river gives you problems, fish the riffles with the fastest current because these will have less weed growth.  Other recommended flies for this week: Murray's Tungsten Conehead Marauder size 4 (black, pearl, or olive).

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is in great shape from Mount Jackson to Strasburg. Bring your chest high waders as the water temperature is around 50 degrees. 

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is in great shape with many areas to wade or float. I usually concentrate on the Bixler Bridge area to Fosters Landing. 

If you need help on access, stop by the fly shop or see my book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass

Up Coming Event at Murray's Fly Shop

Learn to Tie the Minnow Changer on November 9 at 10a.m.  Our instructor, Brandon, will show all the steps to help you tie these complex minnows. Click for more information and to register.