Shenandoah River – Main Stem

Fishing

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  Main Stem Shenandoah River Biologist Report 2025

  January 8, 2024

Smallmouth Bass

• Smallmouth Bass River Fishing Forecast

Serious smallmouth anglers know the Shenandoah River is one of the top smallmouth bass rivers in the eastern United States. Densities of smallmouth are not as high in the Main Stem as they are in the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah. Smallmouth bass catch rates can average up to two fish per hour. Fisheries biologists consider catch rates greater than one fish per hour to be very good. Remember, fishing success can vary depending upon environmental conditions. While densities of smallmouth bass are lower, growth rates are better, and larger fish are more common. The natural mortality rate of smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah is high and harvest by anglers is low, based on research conducted by biologists. Therefore, the smallmouth bass population is mostly controlled by environmental influences (floods/droughts). Years where there is a very successful spawn produces a strong “year-class” of bass. These strong year-classes are what makes fishing favorable. When one or two strong year-classes of bass are reaching sizes that anglers target, fishing can be excellent. However, when weak year-classes are produced by environmental factors, fishing success can be poor. Currently, there are several average year-classes of bass recruiting into the fishery. There should be good numbers of quality-size smallmouth bass available to anglers. Anglers will find smallmouth throughout all habitats on the river. One of the most productive areas to find smallmouth on the Shenandoah are directly below riffle areas or bedrock ledges. These areas provide cover and transport food items directly to waiting smallmouth. Overall, anglers should target structure closely associated with faster currents when hunting smallmouth. Various types of artificial lures and live baits can be effective for catching smallmouth on the Shenandoah. Anglers should not limit their fishing for smallmouth to just the warmer months. Smallmouth are active throughout the year and some of the larger fish are caught during the colder months.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass do not gain as much attention as their cousin the smallmouth bass, but the Main Stem Shenandoah is home to a good largemouth population. Largemouth are common throughout the river within the natural and dammed pools. Average numbers of quality-size largemouth bass are available to anglers. Largemouth up to seven pounds have been sampled by biologists in recent years. One of the best locations to encounter largemouth is near woody debris that accumulates along the banks of the river. These areas provide cover and attract small sunfish the preferred prey of largemouth.

Sunfish

The Main Stem Shenandoah River is home to several sunfish species. They include: redbreast sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish. All the sunfish species tend to occupy the same habitats. They prefer to congregate in areas with reduced current and quality structure. The redbreast sunfish may also be located in areas with faster currents. Sunfish densities are excellent and the number of larger “hand-size” panfish is outstanding . Seven to eight inch sunfish are quite common in the Shenandoah River.

Crappie

Both black and white crappie inhabit the Shenandoah River. The black crappie is the most dominant of the two species. Crappie densities tend to be low and the only areas they can be encountered in fair numbers is in large, deep pools. Crappie like structure and will typically be found near the main channel of the river. Since crappie exhibit “schooling” behavior, where one is caught others are sure to be near. Anglers should try small jigs and live minnows when targeting crappie.

Muskellunge

DWR annually stocks fingerling-size musky at several sites on the Main Stem Shenandoah River from the Warren Dam to Route 7 landing. There has been limited evidence of muskies reproducing naturally in the Shenandoah river, therefore they must be stocked to sustain a fishery. Adult musky densities are low and closely resemble numbers seen in a wild, reproducing population. The area directly downstream of Warren Dam is the best location to connect with a musky on the Main-stem Shenandoah. Musky are “ambush” predators and often lie just off the main channel waiting for a meal to float or swim along. Also remember these fish are a “cool-water” species that is active even during the coldest months of the year.

See the Muskellunge profile page for more information about fishing for Musky.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are extremely plentiful in the Main Stem Shenandoah River. Recent sampling by VDWR biologists indicated a healthy catfish population dominated by quality-size (2-4 lb) fish. Some 10+ lb individuals were also collected. The large pools in the river are the best place to locate channel cats. Don’t overlook pieces of structure in all areas of the river, for they will also hold catfish. Anglers should take advantage of the catfish spawning season when the water temperature reaches the low-mid 60’s (F). Channel cats will move out of the deeper pools, usually heading upstream, and congregate at the head of pools in shallower water. Unlike other fish that do not feed during spawning, catfish feed heavily during this time. Even though most people think that you can only catch catfish after dark, anglers can also have success during daylight hours. Commercial catfish baits, homemade “stinkbaits”, cut bait, and some live baits can be used to catch channel catfish.

Flathead Catfish

Unfortunately, flathead catfish were accidentally or illegally introduced into the Shenandoah River. The first fish was captured by biologists in the fall of 2021. Since then, biologists have documented that the population is now reproducing and is here to stay. The population is still in its infancy and isn’t evenly distributed throughout the river. The highest densities can be found within the upper reaches of the river from Warren Dam down to Route 50. It will take a few years to determine how large these cats can grow, how much the population will expand, and what type of impacts they may have on other fish populations within the system. Flatheads love live bait. Anglers should target large boulders and debris piles to catch them.

Walleye

In the spring of 2014, DWR began stocking Walleye fry in the Shenandoah River annually to supplement the small wild population and provide a trophy fish for anglers to target. Walleye are stocked in the spring as small fingerlings. Most of the stockings take place just below the warren dam, as walleye fry are notorious for heading down river when they are juveniles. Walleye can be targeted year-round within the deeper holes and pools throughout the Shenandoah. An exciting time to catch Walleye is during the spawn. In early March, walleye will migrate upstream. Much of the population stacks up from the warren dam down to the route 50 boat ramp. Target deeper holes just outside of the main current.

Other Fish Species

American eel, white sucker, northern hogsucker, common carp, yellow bullhead, and redhorse are some additional fish species commonly found in the Shenandoah River that anglers may encounter.

Shenandoah, Cowpasture, and James River Fish Kills Update

Biologist Reports

• 2010 Shenandoah and James River Fish Disease and Mortality Investigations
• Shenandoah River Fish Kill Pop Rpt