Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - August 6, 2025
Both the North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River are fishable. Some areas still have some murky water so wade carefully. With the fuller water levels, we are using heavier weighted flies, using split shot or if needed using Murray's Fluorocarbon 9ft 2X leaders for underwater flies.
Recommended underwater flies:
- Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite, size 4
- Murray's Magnum Darter, size 4
- Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauder size 4
- Murray's Magnum Chartreuse Streamer size 4
For top water fishing, cast along the shady banks and downed trees using a Murray's Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader.
Recommended top water flies:
- Shenandoah Blue Popper size 4 (I cut the weed guard off)
- Shenandoah Chartreuse Chugger size 4
- NEW Boss Bug Poppers in size 4 or 6
On the North Fork of the Shenandoah River I recommend access places from Meem's bottom in Mount Jackson to the Seven Bends State Park in Woodstock. If you plan to float in a kayak, plan accordingly as there are several dams that are not legal or safe to go around. Call us or stop by the fly shop and we can help you with access.
On the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, I recommend from Bixler bridge downstream to Fosters Landing.
We have a few openings in our Full Day Fly Fishing School on August 16th. We supply the rod and reel outfit for the day.