How to Fish the Shenandoah River

Instructions

1

Target small-mouth bass by fishing in areas where faster currents meet structures such as ledges, especially in the south fork and mainstem. Large-mouth bass are also present, although less frequently targeted. Fish near tree debris along the riverbanks.

2

Focus on sunfish if you want some fun fishing and good eating. Species include the redbreast, green and pumpkin-seed sunfish as well as rock bass and bluegills. You can find sunfish in the mainstem where there is less current. Sunfish are abundant and can grow up to seven inches.

3

Fish for black and white crappie in deep areas of the river. Use jigs or live minnows. Once you catch one crappie, stick around and keep fishing because crappie travel in schools.

4

Look for muskellunge, or muskies, in the Shenandoah mainstem where they are stocked by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Fish year-round downstream of Warren Dam.

5

Catch channel catfish in the mainstem with nearly anything that stinks including commercial catfish baits and cut fish. Channel cats commonly weigh two to four pounds and can reach up to ten.