Fly Lines
RIO Bass Fly Line
A short, aggressive head that turns over wind-resistant poppers and bass bugs.
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A scenic valley river with some of the best smallmouth floats in the East.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Shenandoah River for smallmouth bass. The best months overall are Apr to Oct. In October, smallmouth bass is in season, and Clouser Minnow, Crayfish Fly and Ned Rig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (3 fly, 9 bait and tackle); the closest is Gregory's Lakeside Bait and Tackle in Front Royal, 10 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Mossy Creek is 55 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Oct
In October
Smallmouth Bass
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Shenandoah River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyCrayfish Fly #2-6
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Shenandoah River
Rods
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Shenandoah River
Bait & Tackle
Gregory's Lakeside Bait and Tackle
Front Royal, Virginia· 10 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Front Royal, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Winchester, Virginia· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Winchester, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Jake's Bait and Tackle
Winchester, Virginia· 22 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Winchester, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Jake's Bait and Tackle
Winchester, Virginia· 23 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Winchester, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Lost River Outfitters
Mathias, West Virginia· 36 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Mathias, WV.
Bait & Tackle
Smoketown Bait & Tackle
Brunswick, Maryland· 42 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Brunswick, MD.
Bait & Tackle
Big Eds Tackle Box
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia· 42 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Berkeley Springs, WV.
Make It a Trip