Update for May 7. Both the North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River are too high and muddy to fish. We will keep you updated as the conditions change.
Posted 5/4/22Thunderstorms dumped 1 to 2 inches of rain over the Edinburg area last night so the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in Edinburg and downstream through Woodstock is high and muddy. You can get above this high water by going to the access areas in New Market and Mount Jackson. I expect the high and muddy water in our area will take a few days to settle and will be back to normal by the weekend. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. I would still recommend floating instead of wading on the South Fork at this time of year.
The water temperature is starting to warm and the bass are starting to actively feed. By fishing a Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite size 4, Magnum Darter or Magnum Creek Chub size 4 as deeply and as slowly as you can, you are providing a mouthful for that big bass. Fish all of these on a 9ft 2X Leader.
If you need help on finding public access places, stop by the fly shop or see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams.
For more information on Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass, register for one of our Full Day Fly Fishing Schools Summer 2022.