I drive over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River often just to check the conditions/water levels. With the recent rains, the North Fork is in beautiful shape. The South Fork is still carrying some extra water so I wouldn't try to wade it. The water temperature is still very cold so the bass are not actively feeding. I did have one customer that said he caught a nice smallmouth this week but that was the only thing he caught all day. It is still very early in the season so don't expect much. The smallmouth bass fishing will start picking up as the water temperatures get warmer which is usually April or May. If you just want to get out on the water, bring your chest high waders and cast a Murray's Heavy Black Hellgrammite size 6, Tungsten Cone Head Marauder, Olive size 4 or Murray's Magnum Hog Sucker size 4. Fish these in the back eddies slowly along the stream bottom.
If you want to learn more about the smallmouth bass fishing on the Shenandoah River then consider:
- attending my classroom discussion on the Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the Shenandoah River Workshop at Murray's Fly Shop on February 24, 2024 at 10a.m.
- Register for a Full Day Fly Fishing School for Summer 2024 which includes a classroom portion and on the stream instruction for a full day of learning.
- Register for a Half Day Fly Fishing Lesson for Summer 2024 which includes a short meet/greet at the fly shop, then off to the river for a basic fly fishing lesson.