Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 30, 2025

Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 30, 2025

The North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable. The levels are lower than what we would like but definitely not the lowest that we have seen. Water temperatures are ranging from high 50's to low 60's. We are using Murray's Marauders in all colors (black, pearl, olive, chartreuse, and brown) in size 6 as our main fly. Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite size 6 is the other fly we are landing some nice bass on this week. The third fly that I recommend you have is the Murray's Crayfish size 6. Fish these along the cobblestone bottoms. Fish all of these on a Murray's Bright Butt 9ft 2X or Classic 9ft 2X leader. 

Some recommended floats for kayaking:

  • On the North Fork of the Shenandoah River put in at the Seven Bends State Park Hollingsworth access and take out at Seven Bends State Park Lupton access (short float)
  • On the North Fork of the Shenandoah River put in at Deer Rapids south of Strasburg and take out at Strasburg Town Park.
  • On the South Fork of the Shenandoah River put in at Bealers Ferry and take out at Fosters Landing.
  • On the the South Fork of the Shenandoah River put in at Newport and take out at Alma. 

All of the access places for the Shenandoah River are found in my book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass.

Want to learn more about Fly Fishing? We offer Full Day and Half Day Fly Fishing Schools throughout the Summer. Watch a short video!

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