Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 8, 2026

Both the North Fork and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable. We are not catching as many bass as we do in the summer but we are finding a few nice size bass. By fishing big flies down deep we are providing a mouthful for the bigger bass. Fish low and slow in the deeper water. Water temps are running around mid 50's so bring the chest high waders. 

Recommended flies:

• Murray's Magnum Darter size 4
• Murray's Marauder Brown, size 6
• Murray's Madtom Sculpin, black size 4
• Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite, black size 4
• Murray's Magnum Hog Sucker size 4
• Murray's Marauder, Chartreuse size 6

A 9ft 7-weight 4pc fly rod with a sinking tip fly line or sinking leader is recommended with these flies. The Scott Centric 9ft 7-weight, Orvis Clearwater 9ft 7-weight or St. Croix Imperial 9ft 7-weight are some that we recommend and promote in our Summer Fly Fishing Schools.

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