Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - July 24, 2025

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is at fishable levels this morning. It is still a little murky in some areas but definitely fishable by floating in a kayak.  It is "full but fishable" by wading --just wade cautiously. With the fuller water levels we are using sinking leaders and heavier weighted flies.  Recommended flies: Murray's Magnum Hog Sucker size 4, Murray's Magnum Darter size 4, Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite (black or olive) size 4 or 6, and Bass Stonefly Nymph size 4.  If you want to try some topwater action, then use a Murray's Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader with a Shenandoah Blue Popper size 4, Shenandoah Chartreuse Chugger size 4 or check our NEW POPPERS --Boss Bugs.

Update July 25 The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is returning to normal levels and still a little murky but fishable especially by floating.  I recommend giving it another day or two before trying to wade it.

My book, Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass covers the public access for the North Fork, South Fork and the main stem of the Shenandoah River along with tips on fishing it in the spring, summer and fall. 

We have a few openings in our Half Day Fly Fishing Lesson on Wed. August 6. Learn To Fly Fish in this 4-hour basic lesson on the Shenandoah River.