Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 23, 2025

The North Fork of the Shenandoah looks great and we had numerous anglers fishing it this week with success. Murray's Marauders in chartreuse, black, and olive size 6, Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite Black size 6, Murray's Magnum Hog Sucker size 4 are working best. There are several nice access places from Mount Jackson to Strasburg on the North Fork for either wading or floating. Keep in mind there are several dams on the North Fork that are not safe or legal to go around so plan accordingly. For a short float I recommend putting in a kayak at the Hollingsworth access of the Seven Bends State Park and taking out at the Lupton access. 

Update 5/23/25 9am The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is fishable. Water levels have been dropping this week and have returned to normal levels.  You may still see some discoloration or "stained" water in areas but that actually works to your advantage most of the time. There are plenty of places to float the South Fork.  One of our favorites is from Newport to Alma.  If you plan to wade, focus on Bixler bridge area in Luray to Fosters Landing. Use the flies recommended above for the North Fork and be sure to have a few poppers in your box as we are getting some top water action as well. 

For more information on the access places, stop by the fly shop or see my book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass. 

Our Fly Fishing Schools on the Shenandoah River start next week.  We have a few openings in the Full Day and Half Day for Summer 2025.  Click on the links for more information and to register.

Holiday Hours:  Please note that we are closed every Sunday and Monday therefore we will not be open on Memorial Day. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday at 9am.