Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 26, 2022

The back eddies which form below the riffles on the side of the river with the slowest current form Lazy Susans which range from 10-50 feet in diameter and from 4-8 feet deep. These are ideal feeding stations for the bass as the rivers cool because they hold many minnows. I like to use the Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauder size 4 (especially the olive color) in these areas.  If needed, switch to a sinking tip fly line and sinking fluorocarbon leader (2X) to help get your fly down to the deeper water.

With the water temperature getting cooler we are definitely not catching as many as we did in the summer time.  Some days I am getting skunked and some days I am catching a few.  My customers are reporting that they are doing better on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River by floating along and stopping at the deeper pools. 

You will definitely need chest high waders and I would recommend a wading staff for stability to help you wade to the deeper areas.

For more information on the access areas, stop by the fly shop or see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams.