Smallmouth Bass Fishing Report

High and Muddy!!

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:12:59 -0400

Still rising, the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah that is! Whitewater rafting or kayaking sound good? Then this is the time to be on the rivers. Forget about fishing until the weekend. The upstream portions of the North Fork (the first to clear) have not crested as of 9:15 am today 5/12.

Back again.... and great fishing 66 degree H2O

Tue, 6 May 2008 21:52:18 -0400

The rivers are back in shape for fishing. The North Fork is great and the South Fork is still a bit full to wade but is great for floating.
Fished tonight near Edinburg and had fantastic fishing!! Smallmouth Bass, Fallfish and Rock Bass all looking healthy. Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite #6 Black or Olive and a #6 Madtom/ Sculpin worked very well tonight. The water temperature was 66 degrees.

Blown out!!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:24 -0400

The North and South Forks of the Shenandoah are both too high and muddy to fish today. The North Fork will be fishable upstream from Edinburg for those wishing to float by Friday, May 2. Sinking lines will be the best way to cover the water. Bring along your Madtom/ Sculpins in #4 and #6, you need the weight to get down in the high water.

High water April showers

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:12:20 -0400

Over the last several days the headwater areas of the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River have received up to three inches of rainfall. This has given the river quite a bit of extra water and color. As of right now both forks are fishable but be ready for that to change in the next two to three days as the high water makes its way downstream.

SMB's On Top

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:30:16 -0400

The bass rivers have warmed up considerably. Last night after closing the shop, we floated approx. 3 miles and had fantastic fishing. We even caught several nice smallmouth bass on top. Hellgrammites, Pearl or Brown Marauders and a Chartreuse Chuggar #6 worked very well.
Watch out for the spawning beds.... Don't step on them!!!!!!

Cool water temps remain...

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:49:51 -0400

The river temperature near Edinburg has maintained it's "yoyo" like temperature swings. We fished last night and found the water temperatures four degrees warmer than on Sunday afternoon. The temperature was 53 degrees but that is still a few degrees cooler than the warmest we have seen this Spring. The bass fishing continues to follow the "yoyo" effect also.

Water levels are okay but temps remain cool

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 21:05:33 -0500

The rain this week brought the levels up on the rivers in the region. This is good for those things related to the river. However, the water temperatures remain in the low 40's so the action is anything but fast. This week I did well with a Black #6 Heavy Hellgrammite on 2x fluorocarbon. I was surprised how spooky the fish were. This should not have come as a surprise since there was six feet of visibility and bright sunlight.

Tie a fly or two for spring.....

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:44:33 -0500

Springtime Smallmouth Bass fly fishing can be fantastic. Typically you will find full river conditions. So, tie you flies with a variety of different weights (be sure to keep the different weights separate). Larger flies are my personal preference since often the streams are cool and I want to make my offering look too good of a meal to pass up.

Even the warm temperatures weren't quite enough....

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:04:03 -0500

This past week's warm-up didn't produce the fishing I had hoped for. I fished Monday afternoon and caught a few fallfish that were feeding on Midges and BWO's but I couldn't coax any Smallmouth out of hibernation. The water temperature was 38 degrees.

Fly Fishing For Smallmouth Bass Class January 5, 2008

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:04:29 -0500

Harry will present Fly Fishing For Smallmouth Bass on January 5, 2008 at the Fly Shop in Edinburg, VA from 10:00am to 12:00. Give him a call to reserve your seat. Cost: $20.00 per person - space is limited.

Too Cold .... Unless you need the exercise!

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:08:26 -0500

The Bass Fishing has finally slowed to the point that I plan to trout fish the winter away unless we get a very warm spell. The water temperatures today dipped to 42 degrees.
If you can't give up, bring along your nymphs (#4 Black or Olive Hellgrammite or #6 Roadkill Skunk) and dredge the bottom of the deep pools and backwater of the dams. Water up to 12 feet deep will hold nice bass but they are SLUGGISH!
Think about attending one of our Winter Classroom Sessions to help fend off cabin fever!

2008 On the Stream Smallmouth Schools

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:28:54 -0500

We have just finalized the dates for our Smallmouth Bass On The Stream Schools.
May 31-June 1 June 7-8 July 12-13 July 19-20 July 26-27

Space is reserved first come first serve with full deposit required upon signing up.

Free Shipping and Handling

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:41:52 -0500

Receive Free Shipping and Handling on all orders over $100 through 12-31-2007 - Just in time for the Holidays!!

fishing continues but low water is returning

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:20:58 -0400

The river is cooling down quickly but with the good water levels we have right now, the timing is perfect for an end of the season float trip. Fish were quite active in the tails of pools in surprisingly heavy water yesterday. Shenks White Streamers and Olive Hellgrammites both worked well.

Waters getting cooler but still low and clear..

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:16:24 -0400

The smallmouth are in the mood to feed but, they sure are SPOOKY! I fished an area last night and spotted two nice smallmouth below a small gravel bar. I hadn't even landed my fly on the water before they had spooked from seeing my line in the air. To alleviate this concentrate on the deeper cuts and streamer runs.

Cooler water but still best early or late in the day.

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:19:00 -0400

Recent rains combined with night time lows in the low 50's have cooled the rivers several degrees. The South Fork has come up to a good floating level but is starting to drop back already. The North Fork is still low and spooky. Early and late time frames of the day will provide your best opportunity for good fishing. Top water with a Bass Hopper or Chartreuse Shenandoah Popper has been hot!

Clear water and hungry fish - at the right time!

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 12:05:35 -0400

Just getting back from a fantastic morning of fishing and floating on the South Fork of the Shenandoah. Blue Poppers and Bass Hoppers did the trick from daylight until about 9:00 am when the sunlight hit the water. Early mornings or late evenings are the only time to be there!

More rain.... I like the overcast better!

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:14:38 -0400

Rain has been a frequent occurrence since Friday. We have not received enough widespread rainfall to significantly raise the level of the rivers. The overcast skies and cooler temperatures are a blessing though. We have low light levels throughout the majority of the day right now. The forecast calls for the heat to return by the weekend. So, shirk your responsibilities and find a stretch of river to fish over the next few days. Top water action has been great, just practice wading cautiously and making long casts. Try a Bass Hopper #8, I have caught quite a few nice bass this past week on one or maybe two.

A little rain.... not much help..

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:00:40 -0400

We need a few inches of rain to affect the rivers right now. The levels are low and the larger bass are very spooky. Early morning and late evening continue to be the most productive times. You will find many caddis and hexagenia mayflies in the late evenings and trico's in the early mornings. Not much is interested in the trico's but watch for feeding fish on the caddis and hex's. We have just placed the Simms G3 and Simms Guide Waders on sale. They are discontinued for next year. Limited to supplies on hand.

Summertime flows return...

Thu, 2 Aug 2007 09:21:51 -0400

The South Fork has dropped back to its normal summertime levels. Hope you had a chance to enjoy the extra water. Early morning fishing is best with the heat we are experiencing this week. Try to be on the river around 5:00 am and fish hard until 9:00. Streamers or Poppers, you pick your favorite.

South Fork remains full!!!!!

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:59:25 -0400

The runoff from the weekend's storms continues to keep the South Fork full, maybe even quite full for wading in some areas around the town of Luray, VA. Poppers late in the evenings or early in the mornings while the temperatures are cooler. Streamers in deep riffles and between deep ledges throughout the day. 3x Fluorocarbon will help!

The South Fork is up!!

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 20:38:13 -0400

The South Fork of the Shenandoah drainage received some much needed rain and the water levels are up. Take advantage of this by fishing the river South of Luray, VA. The river is slightly discolored also which will help during the bright sunlight periods of the day. Early morning is still the best but late evenings are a close second. Poppers of course.....

Early is better than late....

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:45:47 -0400

The rivers are fishing better early in the morning from 5:00 am to 8:00 am when the water temps are at their coolest and the sunlight has not hit the surface of the water. Popping bugs are great because they work! and you don't have to worry with as much grass as you will on streamers. Too early to get out of bed? Stick with streamers and look for the streamer runs and drop offs around ledges. Stay as late as possible, there isn't much happening from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Early Mornings......

Mon, 9 Jul 2007 15:22:33 -0400

Fishing early in the morning provides solitude, great fishing, cooler temperatures and great fishing. The smallmouth seem to be more active early in the morning than late in the evening this past week. The water is at its coolest in the predawn hours, I can only rationalize the great fishing this way. Early morning = 5:15 to 8:00 (the sun rises over the Massanutten Mtns. at about 7:30 in Edinburg) with the earlier hours being the best. Chartreuse or Blue Poppers fished on 3x tippet material. Long casts will help you keep from spooking the larger bass.

Fish the dirty water after a heavy rain...

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 10:53:46 -0400

Local rainfall has discolored the North and South Fork in an area or two enough to keep the fish feeding throughout the day. These local showers typically only discolor the water for a mile or so downstream from the tributary they originate from so watch the stream gauges and IFLOWS rain gauges to determine where your best chance is of finding discolored water. Or give us a call for up to date information 540-984-4212

Getting low, spooky and grassy

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:50:29 -0400

Both forks of the Shenandoah River are in good shape but are approaching their seasonal low water level period. The bright sunlight will keep the fish in the shade or on the bottom under submerged grass beds. Early morning or late evening are your prime time to fish the rivers. Floating will help you sneak up on fish but once again the river is getting low.

Local rainfall has helped but it's still low

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:03:08 -0400

Fishing has been great early in the morning or late in the evening.... 5:00 am or 7:00 pm. Poppers are coming on strong in low light periods but through the day a Shenks White Streamer along the riffle's will do the trick.

More Rain better and better!! Get out today before the sun and heat return.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:47:22 -0400

The forecast is for cooler weather today and CLOUDS with a chance of rain. Can you sneak out of the office or the house? If so head to your favorite section of the North or South Fork or the James and bring along Shiner Streamer patterns and Chartreuse or Blue Poppers. The overcast conditions are ideal but it won't last...... Hot and Humid again by Sunday.

Popper fishing.......... Great!

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:30:49 -0400

Popper fishing was great late this evening on the North Fork before the heavy rain chased us to the safety of a vehicle. The rain has left over an inch of rain in much of the Shenandoah Valley. Check back soon to see if anything is too high and muddy to fish tomorrow or the day after.

Rain of course....... water levels coming up of course......

Mon, 4 Jun 2007 06:48:30 -0400

The rains have left us with some great levels for floating and have given the North Fork just enough color to make the fish a little less wary. In our smallmouth school yesterday folks did well in the messy weather. Streamers fished in the cuts, tails of pools and edges of rapids all worked very well. Start to switch to a lead eyed fly to get your flies to the bottom. We did not need the extra weight last week but now we do!

Lynnwood on the South Fork is High

Fri, 1 Jun 2007 23:27:11 -0400

The South Fork of the Shenandoah is coming up South (Upstream) of Luray. This is in the Elkton and Shenandoah areas of the South Fork right now. This extra water will move through Luray and on North toward Front Royal over the weekend. Watch the Luray streamflow gauge for up to date information on flows.

Early and late for surface feeding fish...

Tue, 29 May 2007 14:01:57 -0400

Early in the morning or late in the evening will put you on the river while the smallmouth are feeding on the gravel bars and in the tails of pools. The popper fishing has been great..... it's also warm enough to wet wade without a problem.

Working for them is good?

Thu, 24 May 2007 19:04:56 -0400

We have been catching a lot of bass but "it aint" easy. Streamers in the riffles and over the cuts in ledges will do the trick during the bright daylight hours. In the evenings stick with a Coleman's Purple Passion or a Baby Bass Streamer in hit the shallow gravel bars.

Good top water action with a Chartreuse Slider.

Tue, 22 May 2007 10:34:27 -0400

The smallmouth are willing to feed on top once again. Try a Chartreuse Slider over the gravel bars late in the evening, this worked quite well yesterday evening.

Cool nights but warm days are getting things back in shape!

Sun, 20 May 2007 22:22:11 -0400

The nights are still cool but the daytime highs are climbing steadily. This has the bass getting in the mood to look for food after the daylight has time to warm the water. We have done the best after 3:00pm, so don't rush out to the stream first thing in the morning... wait until after lunch and plan on staying until dark (8:30 - 9:00pm). Marauders or Hellgrammites fished across the bottom..... set the hook at the slightest hint of a strike!

Cool weather after last weeks heat blast.... back under for success

Sun, 13 May 2007 15:14:30 -0400

Hellgrammites drifted in the deeper sections of the tails of riffles will do the trick. The water temps have dropped a few degrees so popper fishing has slowed a little. Spawning is well underway.... don't step on the redds!!

Warm weather returns and the fish are ready!

Mon, 7 May 2007 09:30:02 -0400

Last night the temperatures stayed above 60 degrees which means the rivers did not cool very much and today is forecast to be in the 80's...... are you ready to go fishing yet? Poppers and Hellgrammites will bring you a lot of enjoyment!

Clouds today = Smallmouth on top all day!

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:30:34 -0400

The weather man says clouds all day with a chance of rain this afternoon. Sounds good for the opportunity to fish Poppers all day...... if you want to double your odds, tie a #8 Black Hellgrammite or #10 Black Marauder on a piece of tippet material 24 inches behind your popper.

Decent smallmouth fishing even one on a popper!

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 08:26:23 -0400

The rivers are dropping back nicely and the smallmouth are starting to think seriously about spawning. Two days ago I even caught a 10 inch smallmouth on a Chartreuse Chuggar. Streamer fishing is still your best bet especially when combined with floating the river.

The North Fork of the Shenandoah... fishable by the weekend.

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:23:18 -0400

The North Fork is dropping back nicely and will be in shape to fish upstream from Edinburg by the weekend. With the promised warm up the Smallmouth Bass will be in the mood to feed once the extra water leaves. Floating is a very good option to give you access to more variety of water.

High, Muddy and un-fishable.........

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:30:34 -0400

Two to Three inches of rain have left the rivers muddy and high. It will be the latter part of the week until things return to a fishable level. Look for the North Fork upstream from Edinburg, VA to be the first fishable water.

Harry's Smallmouth Bass Audio Report

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 11:50:29 -0400

Listen to Harry's Smallmouth Bass Fishing Report. He will update this weekly or more frequently if conditions change.

We know it's cold but a few bass want to feed

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 08:27:55 -0400

After the temperature shock of last week we floated Tuesday evening and caught several fallfish and smallmouth bass one of which was 16 inches. Great levels for floating the North or South Fork. A #6 Madtom swing nymphed along THE bottom and a few SA Strike Indicators did the trick.

Snow on the mountains this morning along with a dusting in the valley...gorgeous.

Sat, 7 Apr 2007 08:51:57 -0400

A great but cool day to be out, floating will help you stay warm. The bass are starting to acclimate to the cold water once again but things are still slow. Nymphs and streamers, weight, sink tip lines, a warm coat and hand warmers.........that should just about cover it!

Back to sleep for a few more days, cold water brought back memories of hibernation for the bass.

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:08:33 -0400

Productive fishing on Monday has been followed by slow fishing Thursday. The water temps have started to drop and will drop some more over the next couple of nights. Nymphs bounced slowly off of the bottom will be the best game to play. It will not take much in the way of warm weather to heat things up again however. The water was in the mid 50's on Tuesday evening and we caught several smallmouth and fallfish while fishing a sink tip line at the tails of riffles. These were the first really active bass of the year for us.