Fishing near Massanutten VA area (Shenendoah and such)

[D_Stephenson]

I'll be vacationing the first week of June in the Massanutten area of VA.

Just looking for some fishing action while I'm there and would love some suggestions.

I'm game for meeting up with someone if you're local and would pay for gas and such if you have a boat.

 

I've only been to the area one other time and only tubed on the Shenendoah River a bit.

 

I own some kayaks but have never used them in moving water much.  I know there would be the issue of putting in at one location and needing (most likely) to be picked up somewhere else.  Not yet sure if I'll even be able to take the kayaks.

 

Anyway, appreciate any and all input.

[rickyg]

You could head south on I-81 and fish the James around Lynchburg or head up into the Shenandoah Natl. Park and try your hand at native brook trout.  I'm not super familiar with that area, sorry I couldn't be more help.  Might want to check the VDGIF website for other possiblities.

 

 

Rick

[LonnieP]

The Shenandoah river is your best bet for that area. At one time it was one of the top 10 smallmouth rivers in the country, not sure about now.

[CountryboyinDC]

Around June, I would say the South Fork of the Shenandoah is your best bet.  There are several outfitters, if you have your own kayak.  If you don't, Front Royal Canoe rents some pretty good fishing kayaks like Jackson Coosa HDs, Bonafides, etc.  I try to avoid the tubing routes, particularly on the weekends.  The state park is a pretty safe bet for consistently decent fishing, but you don't have to drive all the way up to Bentonville if you have your kayaks with you, there's some good spots further south.  Hit up this forum closer to when you'll be there, and I'm sure someone on here can put you on some decent fishing depending on what's going on river level-wise, etc.  

The James is a pretty good way from there.  I've fished around Eagle Rock on into Buchanan, but I don't know that I'd recommend it over the Shenandoah River.  There's not much in the way of reservoirs worth considering around that area as far as I know.

[marsfromva]

Not close by, but I stayed at Wintergreen for a wedding in May. As part of the property we stayed at we had access to local ponds. There's a "Smallmouth Pond," it didn't disappoint!!!