Smallmouth Bass Streams Fly Fishing Report - Update November 12, 2022

Update for November 12, 2022   We finally received some rain.  The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is running very high in the Mount Jackson area and all of that water will be pushing through the area in the next day or two.  When I looked at the river in Edinburg this morning it didn't look to bad but I know there is more water coming so I would recommend not fishing it until the first part of the week.  The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is too high for fishing.

Several of our local anglers go big bass hunting during this time of year by working their way down the river (either floating or wading) from one deep pool to the next. Pause (or anchor) at the upstream end of the deep pools and spend an hour to fish a deep pool the size of a basketball court. The Murray's Magnum Streamers (Darter or Hog Sucker) and the Skulpin Bunny Streamers are designed to help you get down deep.  Strip these across the bottom and hope that the bass cannot resist. Fish on a 2X leader.  Go to a sink tip III line or Fluorocarbon Sinking Leader if you need help getting your flies down deep.  With the lower water levels, I haven't had to resort to this yet.  If we get some rain on Friday and the levels and flow are higher, then I will make this switch. With the up and down temperatures the bass fishing has been sporadic, so try to get out and enjoy it before winter sets in.

If you need help on where to go, stop by the fly shop or see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams.  As of today, both the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are low and clear and fishable. SPECIAL HOURS:  Please note we will be closed on Friday November 11 for Veterans Day but will return to our normal hours on Saturday November 12 from 9a.m. to 3p.m.