Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - February 20, 2026

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Report – February 20, 2026

Our first Smallmouth Bass Fishing Report of 2026 brings with it good news in the form of rain.  The North Fork Shenandoah River and South Fork Shenandoah River are now almost completely ice free and rising with the recent rains. While flows are coming up nicely, water temperatures remain cold in the 33–40°F range. As expected for late February conditions, smallmouth bass fishing is slow.

Focus your efforts on classic winter holding water — deep pools, slow current seams, and areas with soft structure near ledges and submerged timber. Fish are lethargic and holding tight to the bottom, so getting your fly down is critical.

Recommended tactics:

• Use a Scientific Anglers Sink Tip III Fly Line to reach bottom quickly with your streamers.
• Streamer Fishing: Slowly strip a #2 Olive Galloup's Dungeon with long pauses to trigger cold-water reaction strikes.
  
• Nymph Fishing: Drift twonymphs #4 Black Heavy Eyed Hellgrammite as the anchor fly and a #8 Brown Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle 12" above.  Place all of this under an Oros Screw On Floating Strike Indicator and slowly drift your flies through the slow deep pools (>5' deep).
  

Patience is key right now — slow your presentation more than you think is necessary. As water temperatures begin to rise consistently into the low 40s, activity should gradually improve as the days get a little longer coming into March.