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. Fishing for bass on the Shenandoah River is especially thrilling, given the river’s reputation. Whenever we visit the national parks, we always take time for fishing. Our plan for this 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.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here.
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 for 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.
Table of Contents
South Fork Showdown: Prime Smallmouth Bass on Fly
Fly-fishing has always been a subtle method of targeting 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.
Gearing Up for Shenandoah Smallmouth Success: Your Pre-Trip Checklist
The gear today comprises Scott Fly Rods-9ft in 6wt, which is best for 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 were 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 Great 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.
Conquering the South Fork: Epic Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing
I decided to fish with Murray’s Olive Marauder, while Barry chose a Shenk’s White Streamer—both lures packed plenty of flash and sparkle. Even though the day was overcast, we both felt the shine would be irresistible to the smallmouth bass.
The Shenandoah River features many rocky rifles formed by limestone ledges, large boulders, and scattered rocks. We carefully waded onto the ledges, casting our flies, letting them float and sink, then waiting for a strike. Barry was the first to hook a fish. Though it was small, the fight made it completely worth it.
Our guide suggested a technique: after letting the line drift downstream, pause the retrieve and twitch the fly back upstream over the ledges. I slowed my retrieves, added deliberate pauses and twitches, and soon the bass began to respond. Before long, we were getting bites—proof that patience and technique pay off on this river.
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.
South Fork Smallmouth Battlegrounds: Fly Rod Adrenaline
When fishing for bass on the Shenandoah River, you can expect the thrilling bend of the fly rod and the screaming drag of the reel—though the action often slows once the sun rises higher. Dale had us practicing roll casts, adding weight to our lines to reach bass lurking deeper in the cooler waters. Weighted flies work especially well in the fast-flowing currents of the main river.
Wading these clear waters, it’s easy to spot baitfish, creek chubs, and crayfish along the rocky bottom, all part of the bass’s diet. As the afternoon progressed, the bite slowed, and before we knew it, we were heading back to the vehicles, ending a satisfying day on the river.
We have been lucky to fish so many beautiful places, such as the Madison River in Yellowstone, or the Big Thompson or South Fork River 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—the team there went above and beyond, giving us the chance to create memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime. Their expertise and hospitality made our Shenandoah River fishing experience truly unforgettable.
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.
