Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - November 20, 2019

Recommended Flies: The 10 to 12 feet deep water above the dam at access point #26 (Massanutten) on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River can be difficult to fish even with a fast sinking head line. A technique which is very effective to get extra depth with a fast sinking head fly line is to tie an Instant Sink Tip 4 foot section in the middle of a Murray's Fluorocarbon 6ft Leader with a loop to loop knot. Tie this leader to the fly line and the fly to the leader tippet. Swim the flies right along the stream bottom. The Murray's Tungsten Conehead Marauders in pearl, black, and olive are very effective.  For a drawing of the Sink Tip system see page 20 of my book Fly Fishing Techniques for Smallmouth Bass.

 Stream Conditions:  

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable.  Be sure to bring your chest high waders and some gloves for these cool mornings. The Covered Bridge area at Meem's bottom in Mount Jackson has been doing well in the afternoons.  Wade slow and fish deeply.

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is clear and fishable. Downstream from access  #13 (Foster's Landing) has been productive for wading and Massanutten Landing #26 for floating.  For all public access, check out our marked map in the fly shop.