Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - August 12, 2025
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The North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River are in beautiful shape this week. They are crystal clear, so wade carefully so you are not spooking the bass. If you see them, they have already seen you.
I've been using dry flies, deer hair bugs, and poppers on the surface along the shady banks and downed trees. The natural damselflies and dragonflies are abundant along the river. Often they will land on your rod or kayak while floating the river. Here are some of my favorites to use in August:
- Murray's Dragonfly Dry
- Murray's Damselfly Dry
- Spent Wing Dragonfly Dry
- Blue Damsel Dry
- Murray's Bass Cricket
- Murray's Bass Hopper
- Shenandoah Blue Popper
Fish these on a Murray's Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader, preferably on a 9ft 7-weight fly rod.
Our full fly fishing schools are full for this summer and the half day lessons only have a few spots available in September. We are currently booking full day guided smallmouth trips (wading or float) for middle to late September. See our website for more information and call us at 540-984-4212 to book. $475 for 1 or 2 people (fly rod & reel outfits are provided)
The fly shop will be open limited hours on August 13 but will return to normal hours of 9-4 on Thursday 8/14.