Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 11, 2023
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The last week has been ever changing on the bass fishing. One day the smallmouth were feeding well on poppers and the next day the nymphs and crayfish were all that was working. My advice, keep your fly box stocked with a variety of flies. I don't expect the topwater action to be active much longer with the cooler nights but I'll keep trying as long as I see some bass rising. In water 3-5 feet deep, put on a Shenandoah Blue Popper size 4 with a Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite (black) size 8 as a dropper below it. This way you are covering the top and underwater. Some customers are not comfortable fishing a two-fly rig and that is fine. Start with underwater flies such as the Hellgrammite listed above, a Bass Caddis Nymph size 4, Murray's Magnum Streamer size 4 or an Olive Crayfish size 6. If you see bass feeding on the top then switch to a popper. Fish all of these on a 2X leader. Chest high waders are highly recommended.
The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. There is some beautiful water below Chapman's Landing 2 miles north of Edinburg. The further you wade, the deeper the water will get--some areas over your head. Upstream and downstream of the Lupton access of the Seven Bends State Park in Woodstock is another area that has some beautiful water to wade.
The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. I have a few customers taking their kayaks out and exploring different areas of the South Fork. I personally prefer to wade. There is some beautiful water from Alma downstream to Fosters Landing. For more information on the access places, stop by the fly shop or see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams.