Virginia Fly Fishing Guides

Shenandoah Valley Fly Fishing Guides

Looking for a fly fishing guide in Virginia? Mossy Creek Fly Fishing has been a fly shop and guide service in Harrisonburg since 2003, and our guides spend their days on spring creeks, freestones and mountain streams for trout, and on the Shenandoah and James Rivers for smallmouth bass.

Our Virginia fly fishing guides cover water from the George Washington National Forest across the Valley floor to Shenandoah National Park. Whether you live down the road or are driving in from elsewhere in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, pick the trip that fits how you like to fish.

Wade Trips for Trout

From brook trout to big browns, a guided trout trip is a half or full day of wade fishing on public water or on private waters managed exclusively by our shop. Virginia has over 2,300 miles of wild trout streams in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, plus 800 miles of special regulation and stocked trout water. Our private waters see light pressure and are fly fishing, catch-and-release, barbless fisheries.

Smallmouth Float Trips on the Shenandoah and James

Want a smallmouth float trip in Virginia? Our float trips drift the Shenandoah and James Rivers in custom-built rafts, typically covering 8 to 12 miles of water. Smallmouth are the primary target, with largemouth, sunfish, carp, catfish and musky in the mix. The Shenandoah is known for its numbers of fish and is listed as one of the “50 Places to Fly Fish Before You Die.” The James is known for trophy smallmouth: fewer fish, but better odds at a 20-inch-plus bass. Fly or spin, you're welcome aboard.

Tenkara and Private Water

Tenkara is a traditional Japanese method that boils fly fishing down to a rod, a line and a fly. No reel and no long casts, which makes it a hit with novices and kids. Our shop was one of the first to embrace tenkara, and Tom Sadler, our head tenkara instructor and guide, has been part of the movement since it arrived in the U.S.

Rather fish on your own? We manage over a mile of Smith Creek, a meandering limestone spring creek, at Susie Q Farm. It's un-guided access from sunup to sundown for a $100 rod fee per angler (fly fishing, catch-and-release, barbless), booked exclusively through us.

Brand new to fly fishing? Start at Learn to Fly Fish in Virginia.

What's Included

• Guided trout and tenkara trips: all the gear you need (rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet and flies; tenkara needs no reel), waders and wading boots, lunch on full-day trips and drinks on every trip.
• Float trips: the same fly fishing gear, plus lunch and drinks. Boats also carry spin rods and tackle.

Our flies are picked by our staff, guides and tiers, so you fish patterns that work on our water.

What to Bring

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Rain gear
• A Virginia freshwater fishing license (and a trout license if your trip needs one) from Virginia DWR

Virginia Fly Fishing Guide FAQ

I'm new to fly fishing. Which trip should I book?

Whichever one you like. Anyone, beginners included, can book any of our trips. Tenkara keeps things simple, which is why it's popular with novices and kids. Want the basics first? Start with one of our fly fishing classes.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required for all guided trips. Some trips also require a trout license, and we'll let you know when you book. Licenses are available from Virginia DWR.

Do you host corporate outings or group trips?

Yes. We do corporate outings, team building outings, family reunions and other group trips. Team building days on the water are a lot of fun. Call or email and we'll work out group pricing with you.

What is your cancellation policy?

Guided trips, private water bookings, fly fishing classes and schools are held rain or shine. Our guide service will decide and let you know if fishing conditions mean a trip needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, and we reserve the right to cancel a trip for any reason without penalty to you. You can cancel a booked trip, class or private water without penalty up to 72 hours before it (from 8 a.m. Eastern on the day of the trip). If you cancel within the 72-hour period, the credit card or gift card used for the reservation will be charged the full amount of the trip.

Ready to Hit the Water?

Book today. Tell us what you'd like to fish for and we'll get back to you, or call the shop.

Request a Guided Trip

Call 540-434-2444 or email store@mossycreekflyfishing.com
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, 480 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA