Smallmouth Bass Forecast “Excellent” on Shenandoah River in Virginia
OutdoorHub 04.26.13
Both smallmouth and largemouth bass action on the Shenandoah River is predicted to be hot this year.
From the VDGIF forecast:
“Abundance of adult smallmouth bass remains well above the 17-year average. In 2012, biologists documented an increase in the number of adult smallmouth bass 11-20″. The majority of quality fish come from two excellent spawns (2004 and 2007). Fish from 2004 are currently in the 18-20″ range, while 2007 fish average 13-14″. Spawning success was below average in 2008 and 2009, so anglers could see fewer 11-12″ bass in 2013. Overall, smallmouth fishing in the South Fork and mainstem should be excellent in 2013
“Anglers should not overlook largemouth bass, as this river harbors a quality largemouth population, and finding good numbers 2-4 pound fish should not be difficult if deeper, slower sections with woody debris are targeted. Anglers also reported excellent musky catches and sightings in 2012 – mostly in the longest and deepest pools.” (Source: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/forecasts-and-reports/smallmouth-bass-river-fishing-forecast/)
Several access points to the Shenandoah may be found in or near Luray and Page County. Local services for fishermen range from guided trips to canoe/kayak and tube rentals. For specific information contact:
Appalachian Adventures 540-743-7311; www.appalachian-adventures.com; vacation@appalachian-adventures.com
Page Valley Fly Fishing Service 540-743-7952; www.pagevalleyflyfishing.com; ctcampbell@embarqmail.com
Downriver Canoe Company 800-338-1963; www.downriver.com; , somebody@downriver.com
Fish Freaks Guide Service cell: 540-860-2986; home: 540-778-1212; prolinebig20@live.com
Long’s Outfitters 540-743-7311; www.longsoutfitters.com
Outlanders River Camp 540-743-5540; www.outlandersrivercamp.com , reservations@outlandersrivercamp.com
Shenandoah River Adventures 888-309-7222; www.shenandoahriveradventures.com
Shenandoah River Cruises (540-742-4031; 540-778-3610; shenandoahrivercruises.com; captainbo@shenandoahrivercruises.com
Shenandoah River Outfitters 800-6canoe2; www.shenandoahriver.com; canoes@shenandoahriver.com
For more information on the area, visit www.luraypage.com.
