I’m kicking around the idea of fishing the Shenandoah in Virginia for whatever is hungry next June. I was hoping to stay somewhere around Luray, Shenandoah or Elkton for logistical reasons. (I have friends in Waynesboro and will most likely be heading down there one or two nights after fishing so I don't want to be too far north).
Because I plan to wade fish and am concerned over weather and water levels, I would be making a last minute decision to book lodging which rules out cabins or house rentals which require advance booking. I don’t want to camp.
I am also
VERY open to fishing any smaller creeks for whatever is hungry if the Shenandoah is not wadable. This trip isn't about trophies or just smallmouth. All I want to do is catch fish and enjoy myself doing it.
I have
ZERO interest in trout fishing or fishing "trout streams". This is to be strictly a warmwater species trip.
I have a few initial questions for anyone who can help. (Feel free to PM if you don’t want to give away secrets):
North Fork, South Fork or neither for wading/fishing in early June? I like the South Fork side of the mountain better, but I don’t want to drown either.
Places to avoid due to water that is too deep, too many kayaks, canoes or kids throwing rocks?
Lodging suggestions? (Hotel/Motels I guess or a B&B that won't break the bank since I will sleeping there and nothing else).
Any decent sized local creeks that could be considered as alternates? (I have no desire to chase trout in the SNP so I’m talking creeks in the valleys.)
Other sources of information for any of the above.
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer!!