Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 16, 2020

Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - October 16, 2020

The cold water prompts the large bass to choose feeding stations which give them some protection from the river currents. Usually you will catch the larger bass in the back eddies. These are Lazy Susans located below the heavy riffles on the side of the river with slow currents. They may range from 10 to 50 feet in diameter and from 3 feet deep to 8 feet deep. 

This is the time of year that you don't catch as many bass but could catch the largest bass. There are many minnows in these eddies which the bass can easily feed upon. Three of the best minnow imitations are the Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauder in olive, black, and pearl size 4. Use a sink tip line and a fluorocarbon 2X leader and bring your waders.

Stream Conditions:

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable.  Some areas are getting low so be sure to wade carefully so you do not spook the fish.  

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable.  There is a little extra water running through from the rains over the weekend so be careful when you are wading.  This river holds three times more water than the North Fork which makes it perfect for floating. 

 Ft. CFS
North Fork at Mount Jackson 2.67 108
North Fork at Strasburg 1.99 193
South Fork at Luray 3.27 1070
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