The Shenandoah Valley is home to many picturesque rivers. Whether you cast a line for the elusive trout or bass, the rivers here are a fly fisherman’s paradise. Whenever we visit the national parks, we always take time for fishing. Our plan for his trip: a full-day guided trip fly-fishing on the Shenandoah River. The 56-mile Shenandoah river lies next to Shenandoah National Park. The river is well-known for incredible numbers of wily smallmouth bass.
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We intended to fish for the stealthy brook trout. However, low water and high daytime temperatures would be too stressful for the fish. Instead, we turned our eye to smallmouth bass. We contacted Murray’s Fly Shop after we encountered a problem with our original guide service. Luckily, they could find us a guide for the full day. I have to say they provided the best day of fly-fishing bass on the Shenandoah River on such brief notice.
We left our Airbnb before sunrise to meet our guide Dale on the opposite side of the park at Luray Caverns parking lot. He told us the bite had been good, and the weather was slightly overcast and would work to our advantage. The quick trip down Bixler’s Ferry Road to a private farm along the river had us on the river by 8 am. Although the guide package includes waders and boots, we opted to use our own boots. With the temperatures in the high 90s, there was no need for waders today.
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South Fork of the Shenandoah River
Fly-fishing has always been a subtle method of targeting a fish. Dale is the first guide to take the time to explain the setup for fishing. He went over the basics of fly line choice, selection, and management of the leader and the selection of flies we were using today. We usually use our own fly rods but opted for using the gear provided as part of the full day guide package.
Preparing for Fly Fishing the River
The gear today comprises Scott Fly Rods-9ft in 6 wt, which is best for the smallmouth bass fishing. They paired the Orvis Clearwater IV reels with a Scientific Anglers Floating fly line and a Murray’s Hand-Tied Knotted Bright Butt 9ft 2X leader. The variety of streamers’ flies was consistent with the natural foods that the bass are feeding on in the summer. The bass at this time of the year chase creek chub minnows. crayfish and hellgrammites. The Murray’s bass fly selection for today included:
- Olive Marauder size 8
- Heavy Black Hellgrammite size 8
- Crayfish size 6
- Clouser Crayfish, Olive size 6
- Shenk’s White Streamer size 8
Dale gave us a few tips and tricks for casting. Our last attempt at fly-fishing has been at Smoky Mountain National Park, so we needed a quick refresher course. Dale was extremely patient, explaining the overhead cast. We practiced bringing the fly line back-loading the energy before releasing the energy forward, releasing the line in one smooth motion. Once we felt confident in our casting, we proceeded to make our way down the dirt road to our starting place on the river.
Fishing the South Fork-Shenandoah River
I decided on using Murray’s olive marauder and Barry chose a Shenk’s White Streamer. Both had a lot of flash and sparkle. Although the day was overcast, we both felt the shine would be irresistible to the smallies. The Shenandoah River has many rocky rifles created by limestone ledges, big boulders, and rocks. We waded onto the ledges, casting, letting the fly float and sink and wait. Barry was first to hook a fish. Although small, the fight is totally worth it. Our guide suggested that after letting the line drift downstream to pause the retrieve and twitch it back upstream over the ledges. I started extra slow retrieves. Pausing and twitching seemed to trigger the bass to react, and finally started getting some bites.
In the moving current, smallmouth look for isolated boulders, stumps, and weed beds to avoid the current. The cloud cover stayed for most of the morning and the smallies were relentless. We filled the day with action-packed excitement as the smallmouth bite lasted the entire morning. Murray’s full-day package includes a light lunch of sandwiches, chips, and a sweet treat. After a quick break, we reentered the river upstream, working our way back towards the vehicles.
Catching the Aggressive Smallmouth
The bending of the fly rod and screaming reel slowed once the sun made an appearance. Dale had us practice roll casts, adding weight to our lines to increase our chance of catching those fish laying deeper in the cooler waters. The weighted flies are better in the fast-flowing waters of the main river. Wading these clear waters, you see ample baitfish, creek chubs, and crayfish along the rocky bottom. The bite slowed as the afternoon progressed. Before we knew it, we arrived back at the vehicles, ending our day.
We have been lucky to fish many beautiful places such as the Madison River and Big Thompson in Colorado. Although, with the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, I feel this is another perfect location for river fishing. Today, nothing beats catching these feisty fish in this tranquil setting. This is definitely one place we plan to return. We highly recommend Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg, Virginia. They gave us the opportunity to make memories we will cherish for a lifetime.
Have you been to the Shenandoah Valley? What outdoor adventures did you enjoy? We would love to know! Let us know-share a comment below.
