Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 1, 2026

The North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are currently clear and fishable.  Water levels are good. Water temperatures have been around high 50's to low 60's. We are not catching as many but we are catching some nice size bass.  Use bigger, heavier flies to provide a mouthful. Fish as close to the bottom as you can and as slow as you can.

Recommended flies for this week:

• Murray's Madtom Sculpin, black size 4
• Tungsten Cone Head Marauder, black, olive or pearl size 4
• Murray's Magnum HogSucker size 4
• Murray's Road Kill Nymph, black or olive size 6

Recommended Fly Rod and Leader:

To fish the larger flies, a 9ft fly rod in a 7-8 weight is ideal. The Orvis Clearwater 907 and St. Croix Imperial 907 fly rod outfits are some that we promote in our Fly Fishing Schools. At this time of year a sinking tip III fly line or Fluorocarbon Leaders are recommended. 

Learn to Fly Fish--Summer 2026 Fly Fishing Schools

These full day fly fishing schools start with a classroom presentation at our fly shop in Edinburg, VA and then continue on the Shenandoah River for hands on instruction. Fly Rod & Reels are provided for the day.  Open Dates: June 5, 13, 19 or August 22, 28

Basic Fly Fishing Lesson--Summer 2026 Half Day Fly Fishing Lessons

The half day lessons offer possible future anglers a basic lesson on fly fishing on the Shenandoah River. Each day begins with a meet/greet with the instruction at our fly shop then continues to the Shenandoah River for a casting and basic instruction lesson. About 4 hours.  Fly Rod & Reels are provided for the lesson.  Click Here for Open Dates and More info