Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - March 18, 2026
The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is full but fishable. If you are wading I would concentrate on New Market to…
Virginia's Premier Fishing Destination
Fish the Shenandoah Valley
Wild rivers, ancient mountains, and some of the finest smallmouth bass and trout fishing in the eastern United States — right here in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.
400+
Miles of Fishable Water
12
Months of Fishing
60+
Years — Murray's Fly Shop
About the Valley
A River Valley Born for Fishing
"The Shenandoah flows through one of the most storied landscapes in America — and its fish are as wild as the mountains that shelter it."
Cradled between the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley is a fly fishing paradise. The South Fork and North Fork wind through limestone-rich farmland, creating ideal habitat for trophy smallmouth bass.
Headwater streams tumbling off the ridges hold wild brook trout in pristine mountain pools. Whether you're wading for smallmouth on a summer afternoon or chasing native brookies in early spring, the Valley offers year-round angling for every skill level.
Plan Your Trip at Murray's →
Target Species
What's Biting
The Waterways
Rivers, Forks & Mountain Streams
Every stretch of water in the Shenandoah Valley has its own character — from broad limestone river beds to secret mountain streams.
South Fork Shenandoah River
Smallmouth · Bass · Carp · MuskyThe South Fork is the valley's signature fishery — broad, winding, with rock ledges, gravel bars, and deep pools that produce world-class smallmouth bass. Float trips are ideal May–September.
North Fork Shenandoah River
Smallmouth Bass · Carp · PanfishLess pressured than the South Fork, the North Fork offers excellent wade fishing and a more intimate river experience. Exceptional wildlife habitat lines the banks.
Passage Creek & Headwaters
Brook Trout · Rainbow TroutFlowing through Fort Valley, Passage Creek is a gem for trout enthusiasts. Fed by limestone springs, it holds a mix of stocked brook trout and rainbows.
Shenandoah National Park
Native Brook Trout · Catch & ReleaseOver 70 streams flow off the Blue Ridge into the Valley. The park's protected waters harbor the purest populations of native brook trout in Virginia.
Your Local Outfitter
Murray's Fly Shop — Since 1962
Murray's Fly Shop has been serving Shenandoah Valley anglers from Edinburg, Virginia since 1962. Fly gear, guided trips, schools, and the best local knowledge in the Valley.
Fly Fishing GearGuided TripsFly Tying SuppliesLocal ReportsSchools & Clinics
Shop murraysflyshop.com →
When to Fish
The Shenandoah Calendar
Spring
Pre-spawn smallmouth stack up in warming shallows. Trout streams fish brilliantly as hatches kick off. Wildflower blooms and rising water make for memorable days.
- Smallmouth Pre-Spawn
- Blue-Winged Olive Hatch
- Sulphur Emergence
- Brook Trout Season Opens
Summer
Peak smallmouth season. Topwater fishing from dusk through dark is world-class. Float trips on the South Fork are at their finest June through August.
- Topwater Smallmouth
- Float Trip Season
- Evening Poppers
- Early Morning Risers
Fall
Smallmouth feed aggressively before winter. Foliage in the Blue Ridge creates spectacular scenery. Trout streams cool and fish become active again.
- Pre-Winter Bass Feed
- Streamer Fishing
- Fall Caddis Hatch
- Peak Foliage Views
Winter
Solitude on the river. Midges and tiny nymphs fool stubborn trout on clear days. Uncrowded stretches and fish that haven't seen a fly in weeks.
- Midge Fishing
- Nymphing Runs
- Open Water Bass
- Quiet Solitude
From the Water
View All Reports
Trip Reports & Fishing News
Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - March 18, 2026
Native Brook Trout Streams--The Shenandoah National Park Streams are full but fishable. The Skyline Drive remains closed in certain areas due to…
Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - March 11, 2026
We were able to get on the Shenandoah River this week and land a few smallmouth. The North Fork of the Shenandoah…