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Shenandoah River

Boat Ramps
10
Access Points
13
Species
24

The Shenandoah River is a premier fishing destination that flows through Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Formed by the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork at Front Royal, Virginia, the Shenandoah River flows northward for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Known as one of the top smallmouth bass rivers in the eastern United States, the Shenandoah is typically a low gradient river with some Class I rapids at riffle areas. The river averages around 150 feet in width with substrate varying from bedrock and boulders to cobble and gravel. Several species of rooted aquatic vegetation grow in the shallower regions and can become quite dense during summer months. The Shenandoah's clear waters, scenic beauty, and abundant fish populations make it a must-visit destination for anglers of all experience levels.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Shenandoah River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Shenandoah River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Virginia licenses and regulations

Virginia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Virginia Stream Access Laws

Virginia uses a strict navigable in fact test, where waterways must be capable of commercial trade and travel in their natural condition and public access is limited where navigable waters border private land. The state law isn’t fully developed and is arguably stricter than the federal title test. While state law is confusing and hasn’t been friendly to public access in the past, a 2015 court case opened up 14 rivers to public use that were previously off limits.

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Virginia  Fishing License

A Virginia fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 16 and over.

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Virginia  Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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West Virginia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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West Virginia Fishing License

All anglers who are at the age of 15 and older are required to have a fishing license and a valid form of identification such as a State Issued ID or Driver's License while fishing.

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Take Shenandoah River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Shenandoah River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Shenandoah River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Shenandoah River and check the forecast before you go.

SHENANDOAH RIVER AT MILLVILLE, WV

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