Top-Rated Weekday Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Weekday Bass Bonanza on the Shenandoah

Looking to shake up your work week with some rod-bending action? Hop aboard with Fish Head Guides for a laid-back day chasing smallmouth bass on Virginia's scenic Shenandoah River. This 10-hour float trip is tailor-made for anglers itching to ditch the office and wet a line without battling weekend crowds. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer spinning gear, Captain Butch Murphy's got you covered with all the tackle, know-how, and local intel to put you on fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at 8 AM sharp at Lockes Landing, where Captain Butch will be waiting with a fully-rigged boat and a game plan to hit the river's prime bass haunts. This all-inclusive trip covers two anglers, so bring your fishing buddy or significant other for a full day of casting and drifting the Shenandoah's picturesque bends. Butch provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to flies and lures, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got a lucky charm. Lunch and drinks are on the house, so you can focus on reading the water and setting the hook. With year-round availability, you can scratch that fishing itch any time, though spring and summer tend to serve up the hottest action.

Smallmouth Tactics 101

The Shenandoah's diverse habitat calls for a mixed bag of techniques to fool its wily smallmouth. Expect to cover water with a combination of topwater poppers, subsurface cranks, and soft plastics rigged weedless for probing the gnarly structure smallies love. If you're into fly fishing, Butch will show you the ropes of presenting streamers and poppers that mimic the river's forage base. You'll learn to read current seams, identify prime holding spots, and fine-tune your presentation for these hard-fighting bronzebacks. Butch's years on the river mean he knows which patterns and retrieves are smoking hot, so don't be shy about picking his brain throughout the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the undisputed kings of the Shenandoah, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters punch well above their weight class, often providing acrobatic leaps and dogged runs that'll test your drag system and knot-tying skills. Shenandoah smallies typically range from 1-3 pounds, with the occasional 4-5 pound trophy lurking in deeper pools. They're opportunistic feeders, gobbling everything from crayfish to small baitfish, which makes them susceptible to a variety of lures and flies. Spring sees these bass pushing into shallower runs to spawn, while summer finds them relating to current breaks and structure. Fall can offer some of the most explosive topwater action as smallmouth fatten up for winter. No matter when you hit the water, these river rockets are sure to keep your rod bent and your reel singing.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Shenandoah isn't just about the fish – it's a full-on nature immersion that'll recharge your batteries like nothing else. As you drift along, keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead, deer coming down to the banks for a drink, and maybe even a playful river otter. The river's crystal-clear waters flowing past tree-lined shores create a backdrop that's as good for the soul as it is for fishing. Add in Captain Butch's easygoing nature and wealth of local knowledge, and you've got a recipe for the perfect escape from the 9-to-5 grind. Many clients find themselves booking return trips before they even step off the boat, hooked not just by the bass but by the whole Shenandoah experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to trade your keyboard for a casting rod and your cubicle for a drift boat? Fish Head Guides' weekday Shenandoah smallmouth trip is calling your name. With all gear provided, lunch packed, and an expert guide at the helm, all you need to do is show up ready to have a blast on the water. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your technique, learn the river's secrets, or simply unwind in nature's lap while battling some hard-fighting bass, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't let this chance for a midweek fishing adventure slip away. Give Captain Butch a call, block off your calendar, and get ready to create some reel memories on the Shenandoah. Trust us, your boss will understand when you come back to work with a perma-grin and fish tales to spare.