Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - March 26, 2025
This is the time of year that I like to put on my chest high waders and fish a Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite size 4 or 6 from the riffles to the next 200ft downstream. Start on the side of the river right below the riffle and cast across stream. After it sinks deeply, strip it 6-inches every four seconds to swim it across the stream bottom. After a few casts, wade a few steps downstream and start the process again. A sinking tip fly line with a Sinking Fluorocarbon 9ft 2X leader will help you get your flies down to the stream bottom. Keep in mind that the water temperature is still cold, so I'm not catching smallmouth like I do in the summer. Some outings I am not catching anything and others I might catch a very nice bass. Our goal is to get our fly right in front of the bass' nose and tempt them with a large mouthful.
Murray's Heavy Hellgrammite Fly Assortment
Both the North Fork and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River are clear and fishable by either wading or floating. Keep in mind, there are dams on the North Fork that are not legal or safe to go around, so plan accordingly. If you need help on access, stop by the fly shop or see my book Fly Fishing the Shenandoah River for Smallmouth Bass.
Fly Fishing Schools on the Shenandoah River
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Full Day Fly Fishing Schools include a classroom presentation and on the stream instruction for a full day of learning. These start at 9am at our fly shop in Edinburg on scheduled dates. 2025 Dates: May 31, June 7, 13, 20, 21 or August 16, 23
$200pp, class sizes are small, pre-registration is required. Fly Rod & Reel outfits are provided for the school. -
Half Day Fly Fishing Lessons include a short meet/greet at 9am at our fly shop in Edinburg, then off to the river for a basic fly fishing lesson until about 1pm. 2025 Dates: June 4, 25, 28, July 12, 16, 26, 30, August 2, 6, 27, September 10, 24, 27
$125pp, class sizes are small, pre-registration is required. Fly Rod and Reel outfits are provided for the lesson.