Full Day Bass Fishing on Shenandoah River
There's something special about floating down the Shenandoah River with a rod in your hand and nothing but water ahead of you. Our full-day and two-day bass fishing trips put you right in the heart of some of Virginia's best smallmouth water. You'll be fishing from a custom 14-foot whitewater raft with one of our seasoned guides who knows every bend, eddy, and honey hole on this river. These aren't your typical crowded fishing spots – we're talking about pristine stretches where the only sounds you'll hear are your drag screaming and maybe a bald eagle calling overhead. With lunch, snacks, drinks, and all tackle included, you can focus on what matters most: hooking into some serious bass.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at 8:00 AM sharp, and trust me, you'll want to be ready because the morning bite on the Shenandoah can be absolutely electric. We keep our groups small – just two anglers per guide – so you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a legendary one. Our guides don't just row you around; they're constantly reading the water, watching for rises, and putting you on structure where the bass are hanging out. The 8-hour float gives us plenty of time to work different techniques and adapt to what the fish are telling us. If the Shenandoah isn't cooperating due to water levels, we'll pivot to another nearby river because flexibility is key to consistent success. For those who can't get enough, our two-day trips let you really dial in your technique and explore more water than most anglers see in a season.
Tackle Talk & River Techniques
Floating a river like the Shenandoah requires a different approach than lake fishing, and that's where our guides really shine. We're constantly adjusting our presentations based on current speed, depth changes, and structure. You'll work everything from topwater poppers in the early morning to soft plastics when we need to get down and dirty in the deeper holes. The beauty of raft fishing is mobility – when we find productive water, we can work it thoroughly, and when it's dead, we're already moving to the next spot. Our custom whitewater rafts are specifically rigged for fishing, with plenty of rod storage and casting room. Don't worry about bringing tackle; we've got you covered with proven patterns and the local knowledge of what's working right now. Whether you're more comfortable with spinning gear or want to try your hand at fly fishing, we'll match the technique to your skill level and the conditions we're facing.
Customer Stories
"Water conditions weren't ideal, but Travis knew the water, and put me on fish. The lunch he provided was the best I ever had on a float trip! I had a great time, and will be booking again." - Homer
"I have been fishing with Travis since 2017 - in fact our first trip together was the day of the solar eclipse! We had stellar fishing, an amazing picnic lunch on the river while we took a break to watch the eclipse. Travis is the kind of guide who truly wants you to enjoy the water, relax, maybe learn something new, and to get the most out of your experience." - Joel
"Excellent guide! Friendly, engaging, and put us on fish. If you are an avid angler, then this is a must excursion. We fished the same lure all day and caught PLENTY of fish. Smallmouth just annihilated it. I bet, for certain, that we missed the hook set or the fish head shook and got off - at least as many as we caught (over 40, not including the ones that Travis caught)." - Mark
Species You'll Want to Hook
Smallmouth bass are the undisputed kings of the Shenandoah River system, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are everything you want in a gamefish – aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely relentless once they're hooked. Shenandoah smallies typically run between 12 to 16 inches, with plenty of chunky 18+ inch fish mixed in to keep things interesting. What makes these fish special is their attitude – they'll crush a topwater lure with reckless abandon, then spend the next few minutes trying to throw your hook with spectacular jumps and headshakes. The best action usually happens from late spring through early fall, with summer months offering consistent topwater action that'll spoil you for any other kind of fishing. During the cooler months, they move to deeper pools and become more selective, but that just makes it more rewarding when you figure out their mood. The rocky structure and varied current speeds of the Shenandoah create perfect smallmouth habitat, with plenty of ambush points and feeding lanes. These fish have plenty of forage to choose from, so they grow fat and healthy, making every hookup a potential battle you'll remember long after you're back home.
Time to Book Your Spot
The Shenandoah River offers some of the most consistent smallmouth fishing in Virginia, and our experienced guides know how to make the most of every trip. Whether you're looking to introduce a young angler to the sport, celebrate a special occasion, or just need to get away from it all for a day on the water, this trip delivers. Our all-inclusive approach means you can focus entirely on fishing while we handle the logistics, navigation, and streamside lunch that's become legendary among our regular clients. The two-angler limit ensures you're getting premium guide service, not just a ride down the river. With deposits being non-refundable, we recommend booking early, especially during prime season when our calendar fills up fast. Don't let another season slip by wondering what you're missing – the bass are waiting, and the river's calling your name.
5.0(27 Reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
Harpers Ferry, WV
Full
