Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 7, 2025

The North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable. Most anglers are doing well with streamers and nymphs. A few customers have been able to land a few smallmouth on poppers but we are still on the early edge of topwater fishing. I recommend having Murray's Marauders (black, olive, and chartreuse) in size 6, Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite Black size 4, and Murray's Crayfish size 6 for underwater. In the late afternoon along the shady banks, try a Shenandoah Blue Popper size 6 or Murray's Chugger, Frog size 6 for topwater action. Fish all of these on a Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader. 

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable from Mount Jackson to Strasburg. Avoid the Meems Bottom access off Route 730 as we are getting reports of some bridge work causing road closures and traffic delays over the next week or so. If you have a full day to kayak the Shenandoah River a long float that is successful in the Spring is to put in at the Headley River Bridge Rt. 600 in Woodstock and float about 11 miles to take out at Deer Rapids access. This is a long float so be prepared and plan ahead. 

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. We have been concentrating on wading and floating around the Luray area from Bixler bridge to Fosters Landing. 

All of these access places are listed in my book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass. 

FLY FISHING SCHOOLS SUMMER 2025

Want to learn more about Fly Fishing? We offer Full Day and Half Day Fly Fishing Schools throughout the Summer. Watch a short video!

•  Full Day Fly Fishing Schools include a classroom presentation and on the stream instruction for a full day of learning. These start at 9am at our fly shop in Edinburg on scheduled dates.  2025 Dates:  May 31, June 7, 13, 20, 21 or August 16, 23
• $200pp, class sizes are small, pre-registration is required.  Fly Rod & Reel outfits are provided for the school.
• Half Day Fly Fishing Lessons include a short meet/greet at 9am at our fly shop in Edinburg, then off to the river for a basic fly fishing lesson until about 1pm. 2025 Dates: June 4, 25, 28, July 12, 16, 26, 30, August 2, 6, 27, September 10, 24, 27
  $125pp, class sizes are small, pre-registration is required. Fly Rod and Reel outfits are provided for the lesson.