South Fork Shenandoah

[Jacques Vilar]

Hello - 

Long-time lurker, thought I'd finally ask for some advice.  I want to take my son (15 years old) to the South Fork this weekend for some smallies - since I don't have a boat, I was planning on wet wading in at Simpson's landing.  My question - Am I crazy?  Is there a better place for a couple of folks to wade for a few hours?

Thanks, in advance.

CJV

[Yambag Nelson]

You should think about renting a canoe. There are several places on the river that rent them and will shuttle you back. You can fish along the way and get out if you see spots that look good for wading. Much more enjoyable way to fish that river.

[Misha Gill]

I agree regarding the preference for floating. That being said, there are plenty of places to wade and kill a few hours on the SFS. Water levels are good right now for it. Except for the deep holes I think you could wade right across most of the river. That was the case last week (July 3rd) around Whitehouse. All that being said, having looked at the map for Simpson's Landing, I think you might be better off going upstream, like to Bentonville. It looks like the river enters bottomland before Simpson's and that would make me think it will run a little slower and muddier. If you go up to Bentonville you can see the river is still winding through mountains, which will give the river bottom more firmness and ledginess. Also I'm not sure if you noticed but Simpson's landing is on the west side of the river, which will make it harder/longer to get to in the car. 

[Brian Cohen]

There is excellent wade fishing at the State park - there is a nice series of riffles about a 10 minute walk upstream from the canoe launch...and there is decent fishing down by the campground too.   But....it will be very crowded on a weekend. 

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[crichto...@gmail.com]

I agree a canoe is the way to go. There are several reasons for me. For starters, you can cover more water and have a better shot at good fish, wading spots tend to be more pressured than the spots that are accessible more by boat. Another reason is canoes are just plain fun! Load up a cooler with beverages and snacks, and have a fun float! You can circle back up river to good spots if you go past, anchor down, or just let the current dictate your spots. Finally, and as an extension to the other reasons, canoes and other craft can offer acces to good wading you wouldn’t necessarily get to otherwise. I have tied off to the lone rock in the middle of the river and waded or fished from that rock all the time. You find a spot you want to wade, pull off the water and have at it. It’s both a means of fishing, AND a way to get to new fishing spots.

[Jacques Vilar]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

[Jacques Vilar]

UPDATE***

Took my son to the Bentonville boat ramp (thanks Misha).  The water was crystal clear.  Mixed bottom of sand at the banks and rocks in the middle.  Is was easy wading, but you are all correct, doing a float is the better choice.  We did catch 1 smallie (about 2 pounds) and a couple of sunfish...  It was a good day to be on the water.