Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - Update September 24, 2024
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One evening an hour before dark I waded into the river 40 yards below an island which reached all the way across the river. There were dozens of smallmouth feeding on adult hexagenia adult mayflies and initially I caught many bass on a Mr. Rapidan Skater size 8. However, the closer I waded up towards the island the fewer bass I caught even though there were plenty of bass feeding. I realized the water in this area was shallow, so by hiding my approach behind the grass beds I continued to catch many bass on the Skater right up until dark.
With the recent rains and overcast days, we have been doing well on the Murray's Marauder (chartreuse) size 6, Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite (black) size 6, Rubber Leg Nymph (Brown) size 6, and Shenk's White Streamer size 6. On bright sunny days when all underwater flies don't seem to be working then we switch to topwater flies. The Shenandoah Blue Popper size 6, Murray's Sunfish Slider size 6, Shenandoah Chartreuse Chugger size 6 are good right now.
Update September 24 at 1p.m.--The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is fishable and at great water levels. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is carrying a little extra water and is too high for safe wading.
Update September 21 at 10:45a.m. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is in great shape from Mount Jackson to Woodstock. The South Fork is dropping back to normal and would be fine to float. Still carrying a little extra flow for wading but I think by tomorrow 9/22/24 afternoon it will be fine to wade as long as you take precautions. Get out and enjoy the smallmouth bass fishing in the next couple of weeks while you can. The flies listed above are still working.
Update September 19 at 9a.m. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is fishable. A little color in some areas but not enough to cause problems. The flies listed above are still working. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is currently too high and muddy to fish. We will post updates as the conditions change.
Posted September 18 The water temperature on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River is running around 67 degrees. We are right on the edge of needing to get out the chest high waders. As of this morning the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable. There are plenty of access places on both Forks. If you need help stop by the fly shop or see my book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass.
Treat yourself or a friend to a new smallmouth bass fly rod and reel outfit. The Orvis Clearwater 9ft 7-weight outfit or St. Croix Connect 9ft 7-weight outfit are some that we recommend that are budget friendly. We are happy to put the line and backing on the reel before shipping with a FREE leader so it's ready to tie on a fly and GO FISHING!!!