Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - September 2, 2026

The North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are low, clear and fishable. We are having better luck by wading on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. If you decide to kayak either on the North Fork or South Fork of the Shenandoah River, just be aware there many be areas that you will have to drag your kayak across rock ledges.

Early mornings and late evenings are best when the sun is off the water, especially with top water flies & poppers. Fish along the shady banks, downed trees, around grass beds and in the shallow tails of the pools.

Water temperatures are holding around 78-81 degrees so we are still wading wet and leaving the waders at home. Wade as carefully as you can. The bass are very wary of overhead predators and the tiniest movement spooks them.

Best Flies for this Week:

• Shenandoah Blue Popper size 4 or 6
• Bombshell Popper Bronze or Blue size 6
• Shenandoah Chartreuse Chugger, size 6
• Rubber Leg Nymph, Brown size 8
• Shenk's White Streamer size 8
  
• Clouser Crayfish, Dark Brown Turkey size 8
• Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite, Black size 6 or 8

Fish these on a Murray's Bright Butt 9ft 2X.