Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 18, 2018

Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 18, 2018

Some of the large bass are beginning their mini-migration from the shallows to the deeper sections of the river. Some of my best fishing now is found in the 4 to 6 foot deep cuts between the river crossing ledges. These cuts may run from 20 to 200 feet wide up and down the river.

One of my most productive flies here is the Murray's Olive Strymph size 4 because as the name implies, I can fish it as a streamer or a nymph. An effective way to fish these cuts is to approach them from downstream and wade right up against the downstream edge of the ledge. From here I can fan my casts up and across the pool above as I wade back and forth across the river.

I strip the Strymph slightly faster than the current to swim it along the stream bottom then lift it to the surface as it approaches the ledge. 

Stream Conditions:  The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is in beautiful shape from the Woodstock to Mount Jackson area.  The South Fork is clear and in perfect shape for floating.  The levels are continuing to drop each day so by the weekend I feel it will be okay to wade if you use caution.

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