Fishing the Shenandoah

Sample Day Fishing Trips

Low water Bridge to #8

  • 8 miles, takes 3-4 hours of canoeing.
  • Plus the Hawksbill Creek comes in around #3.
  • Nice to paddle up it to a big hole that has trout in the Spring & at the mouth is a deep hole for Muskie.

#8 to #11

  • Shorter trip-3 miles-takes 1-2 hours.
  • Great fishing in riffles.
  • Fishing on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River has been said to be the Best Small Mouth Bass fishing in Virginia. 

#1 to #11

  • (Bixler’s Bridge to Foster’s Boat Landing) is considered the ideal section for ‘quantity of fish’–large and small mouth bass, sun fish–brim, pumpkin seed, blue gill etc.; catfish, carp, and even an odd trout or musky!
  • This section of river has lots of little riffles and small holes as the ideal hiding place for the fishes.

#11 to #19

  • Flowing by G.W. National Forest starts out with riffles then a few ledges and then much deeper holes where the Big Ones hang out. 
  • These are harder to catch but definitely keepers!
Bass fishing on the South fork of the Shenandoah River near Luray VA

The South Fork of the Shenandoah River… “The Valley of Fish”

fishing kids having fun
Fishing the Shenandoah River

For Flyfishing Supplies & Other Useful Information

Murray’s Fly Fishing Shop is in Edinburg, just over the mountain. They also can arrange lessons.  Page Valley Fly Fishing can arrange guided trips.

Dragonfly Fishing Company is another one in Page County

These are other guides in our area– Long’s Outfitters(540-743-7311)

Other bait you might want to catch to take on the River–minnows, Mad Toms and helgammites.

There are lots of fish here! Here is a link to article about bass history in the Shenandoah River.

Stay With Us

Shenandoah River Outfitters has River Log Cabins for rent on the banks of the Shenandoah. Each cabin sleeps 6. There is a shower/bath room and a kitchenette. A front porch completes the cabin. Simply a Great Get-a-way spot 150 yards from the banks of the Shenandoah!

Check out a page on how to photo your fish.

Good Luck!

Some of the best small mouth Bass fishing on the fly rod-ever! 6 of us caught over 300 and could have caught more but we were too tired!

Fishing Licenses

Fishing Licenses can be purchased ahead of time online  http://www.gooutdoorsvirginia.gov/ or at WalMart in Luray. We do have bait worms and some selected fishing gear and artificial lures.

Check Water Levels

Check water levels with photos on our site or on the VA water site  for Luray, Lynwood & Dooms to see what is coming our way.

Download the SRO Gazette

Info you can take with you!

Shenandoah River Outfitters, Inc.
Camp OutBack &
Shenandoah Canoe Company
River Log Cabins Rentals

6502 S Page Valley Road
Luray VA 22835
800-6CANOE2 (800-622-6632)
or 540-743-4159
canoes@shenandoahriver.com

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