Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 2, 2019

Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 2, 2019

Many large bass select feeding stations in the deepest bank bays which floods carve into the river banks. I catch many of these bass by using a Sink Tip III WF-7-F/S line with a Murray's Sinking 6ft 2X Fluorocarbon Leader. The depth of the water and the size of the fish prompt me to use some of our largest and heaviest flies. (See recommended flies below)

Stream Conditions:  The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and in beautiful shape to wade.  The water is still cool so bring your chest high waders. For access stop by the fly shop and check out our master map.  The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear but still carrying a lot of water. 

 Mount Jackson 3.55ft  
CFS 465

Strasburg 2.99ft.  
CFS 770

Luray 3.76ft  
CFS 1960

 

Recommended Flies:  My most productive minnow-matching streamers in these conditions are the Murray's Tungsten Conehead Olive Marauder size 4, Murray's Tungsten Conehead Pearl Marauder size 4, and Murray's Tungsten Conehead Olive Marauder size 4.Cast these into the back of the bank bays and after they sink deeply, swim them along the stream bottom.

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