Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - July 29, 2026

Both the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are low, clear, and fishable.  The North Fork is best for wading from Mount Jackson to Woodstock.  The South Fork is best for kayaking and wading from Shenandoah downstream to Front Royal. 

With the clear water, the smallmouth are making us work harder. Before you enter the water, make a game plan on where you should be standing and where you should be fishing. Look for areas that provide protection for the bass including shady banks, downed trees, around grass beds and ledges. Wade as stealthy as you can and cast down and across stream. There are plenty of little minnows and crayfish that the smallmouth are taking advantage of. Therefore we have started using smaller sized flies.

Fly Recommendations:

• Shenk's White Streamer size 8 (this can be fished as a dropper below a #4 popper)
• Rubber Leg Nymph, Brown size 8
• Murray's Marauder, brown or olive size 8
• Kraft's Clawdad size 6
• Olive Dragonfly Nymph size 6
• Shenandoah Blue Popper size 6
• Murray's Sunfish Slider size 6 or 8
  
• Murray's Chugger, Frog size 6 or 8

Fish these on a Murray's Bright Butt 9ft 2X or 3X Leader. 

Water temperatures are currently in the high 70's so we are still "wading wet" with supportive boots and shoes made by Korkers and Orvis. 

🎣 Book Your Guided Smallmouth Bass Trip 

Late August and September are prime time on the Shenandoah — don't miss out. Limited dates available for Full and Half Day guided wading trips.

• Full Day Wading Trip — $475 for 1–2 anglers (+$50 per additional angler)
• Half Day Wading Trip — $350 for 1–2 anglers (+$50 per additional angler)

Spots fill fast — contact us today to reserve your date!  ph 540-984-4212