Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - September 4, 2024

Frequently when the Hexagenia mayflies are hatching some of the bass will suck the adults from the surface while others will feed on the emergers headed for the surface and we see their splashy rise form. Cast the Mr. Rapidan Skater directly into the open pockets you see in the grass beds. Often the bass'es strike will come right away. 

I have many anglers saying they are catching sunfish but not any bass.  Keep in mind the bass are typically in the faster water like riffles and the sunfish are staying in the slow, flat water.  Reading the water is key to success.  The last two hours of the day have been the most productive for us. Recommended flies: Rubber Leg Nymph (brown) size 8, Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite (black) size 6, Murray's Pearl Marauder size 6, Shenandoah Blue Popper size 6, and Murray's Chugger Frog size 6 are productive this week.

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. Water temperature is running around 70 degrees. The levels are starting to get low again so wade very carefully. Concentrate on the Mount Jackson to Woodstock area. 

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. This holds three times more water than the North Fork so it is better for kayaking or kayaking/wading combo trips. Try to plan shorter float trips and take the time to beach the kayak to wade good areas along the way. 

My new book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass covers the access for the North Fork, South Fork, and main stem of the Shenandoah plus a seasonal approach for spring, summer and fall. 

Our fly shop in Edinburg will be closed September 7-16, 2024 for vacation. Any online orders placed after 3pm on Friday, September 6  will not be shipped until our return on September 17.