Shenandoah (south fork) smallmouth and camping

[Slackdaddy]

How is the smallmouth fishing on the South fork of the Shenandoah ?
I have fished/camped the South Branch Potomac, The James, Smokehole, Trough, but never the Doah.

Anyone ever fish and camp this river?

[Mark]

Years ago we camped at Jellystone Park in Luray.

My wife and I fly fished the Shenandoah not far from the park. We caught lots of 10 to 12 inch smallmouth.

The thing I recall about the river at the area we fished is that the bottom was hard rock with ridges like a washboard. If you stayed on top a particular ridge it was fine for wading. A couple steps to the left or right and you might be in water up to your neck.

I cannot attest for the fishing now but the Shenandoah near Luray was loaded with smallmouth in the 1990s.

[Slackdaddy]

Thanks for the report mark,
We are headed out Friday Morning for a 2 day float.
my main concern is will the river be crowded with "Tubers" ?
We are set for a 11 mile float (5 then 6 ) with a primitive camp in national forest land.
We hammock camp, so we can make camp pretty much anywhere.
Leaving the rest of the crew home, only my son and I, as the rest are not serious about fishing and move to fast on the water.

Slack

[Slackdaddy]

Trip was OK, overcast was nice, Friday the river was not crowded, Saturday was some what crowded.
The Smallies were in the 8-11" range with 1 or 2 in the 13-15" range.
Camped at a private spot (pre arraigned).
The Doah is "built up" more than other VA and WV rivers we run.

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[Mark]

Nice trip.

Love those tents!

[Slackdaddy]

Hennessey Hammocks

Nice trip.

Love those tents!

[brianisoutside]

Looks like a good time!


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