Shenandoah River

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I'm heading to Shenandoah River with my friend this weekend. He has fished there many times but he said I can launch my bass boat at this location. Many people do. So I'll checkout out.

I'd be wary of launching a welded jet boat in the Shenandoah, let alone a bass boat. It's inches deep in many places. 

 

If I remember correctly, you can get a boat in by the dams. Be cautious though.

[dhami013]

Anyone fished the South Fork of the Shenandoah within the last year? Last time I was out there was back in 2013. I had read about some fish kills in 2014 and have been doing some research because I'm about to float down again early this summer. 

 

I just wanted to know how the population was doing. Back in 2013, by the time I went from mile 1-3 I had caught at least 6-7 4lb fish. Just didn't know if the Ol' Girl was still able to put out the same quality after that fish kill. I've heard there was a stint when people said the fishing was terrible. Just looking for some help. 

[Choporoz]

Floated sections 3 or 4 times last year and never had a bad day.  That said, I've never caught a four pounder there, either.  I have talked to guys that have, and most were using live mad toms for bait.  Always some good reading here:

http://www.frontroyalcanoe.com/riverandfishingconditions/fishingreport

[dhami013]

Just now, Choporoz said:

Floated sections 3 or 4 times last year and never had a bad day.  That said, I've never caught a four pounder there, either.  I have talked to guys that have, and most were using live mad toms for bait.  Always some good reading here:

http://www.frontroyalcanoe.com/riverandfishingconditions/fishingreport

Much appreciated. I've fished South Fork since I was about 11 years old and used to go every year until I was 18. I used to have that river system down to a science with using mainly 3 different crank baits. One set for each depth I encounter. Occasionally I will switch up to some plastics and some top waters but my biggest fish have come off of one of those 3 cranks. 

[BASSPADS]

On 3/30/2016 at 10:26 AM, dhami013 said:

Anyone fished the South Fork of the Shenandoah within the last year? Last time I was out there was back in 2013. I had read about some fish kills in 2014 and have been doing some research because I'm about to float down again early this summer. 

 

I just wanted to know how the population was doing. Back in 2013, by the time I went from mile *** I had caught at least 6-7 4lb fish. Just didn't know if the Ol' Girl was still able to put out the same quality after that fish kill. I've heard there was a stint when people said the fishing was terrible. Just looking for some help. 

i use to live on the north fork river it was literally in my back yard. I caught more bass than I could keep track of. Most were large mouth and small but I pulled a few out over 4 pounds. I fished a lot of the rivers in the grottoes and Harrisonburg area then about an hour north from there too. The Shenandoah was awesome for small mouth.. fished right on the other side of the West Virginia line too off Rte 33. Some areas were better than others. I would get as far off the path as I could. I waded through all the rivers I fished where most people didn't  go that's when I would catch bigger ones just seeing where the rivers led me. I heard of fish kills as well in he south fork I think.. I believe it was due to farm run off like pesticides and stuff, maybe a mercury spill also?? I miss fishing the rivers up there good times! I recommend north fork in MT. Crawford..

[12poundbass]

Shenandoah the country group has a good tune "Sunday in the south" ?