FISHING

Shenandoah River Fishing

Kayak Fishing in Front Royal, Virginia

Get hooked on Shenandoah River fishing! Whether you are an avid angler or just someone who enjoys or wants to try great fishing, Front Royal Outdoors can direct you to some of the most popular fishing spots on the Shenandoah River.

Smallmouth bass, the predominant fish in the South Fork, can be caught with all types of artificial lures and are active all throughout our outfitting season. For other choices of fishing watercraft, see Canoe, Kayak, and Raft pages. All trips float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River between Luray and Front Royal.

Fishing the Shenandoah River – with catches of 50 or more fish a day – is ranked in the “Top 10” smallmouth bass rivers in America. The river is also home to largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, and other species. Shenandoah River fishing is a must-do trip for anglers!

Please read the paddling conditions page before making your booking!

Important Information

Please note that rates are per specialty fishing kayak, with a maximum of 1 person per kayak. Rates do not include 5.3% Virginia sales tax.

Minimum age of five years old in watercrafts and minimum age of four years old on rafts – no exceptions!

Shoes or sandals with a heel strap are required for all Shenandoah River trips. We do not allow guests to wear flip-flops.

Virginia Freshwater Fishing License required for fishing on the Shenandoah river. We sell fishing licenses in our shop or you can obtain a license before you arrive through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website.

Please check out the Shenandoah River conditions and Shenandoah River fishing report pages prior to booking to see if there are any trip recommendations.

What’s included in your rental

Watercraft of your choosing
Maps
Paddles
Shuttle Service
Life Vests
Basic Riverside Instruction

Half Day Trip #1

Half Day Trip #2

Half Day State Park #2

Half Day State Park #3

Full Day Trip #3

Full Day Trip #4

Full Day State Park #4

Full Day Trip #5

Full Day State Park #3

Multi-day Trip #7

Multi-day Trip #7a

Multi-day Trip #8

Multi-day State Park #5

Multi-day State Park #6

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I fish on the Shenandoah River with Front Royal Outdoors?

Yes, you can fish the South Fork of the Shenandoah River during any canoe, kayak, or fishing kayak rental. All trips are self-guided, and many are ideal for casting along calm stretches and deeper pools.

What kind of fish can I catch on the Shenandoah River?

Common fish species on the Shenandoah River include smallmouth bass, sunfish, catfish, and rock bass. The river supports warmwater fishing and is well-known for its smallmouth bass population.

Do I need a fishing license to fish on the Shenandoah River?

Yes, all anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Virginia Freshwater Fishing License. You can purchase one online through the Virginia DWR before your trip.

When is the best time to fish the Shenandoah River?

The best fishing typically occurs from spring through early fall, with early morning and late afternoon being prime times for active fish. Summer months offer warm water and steady flow levels, ideal for kayak fishing.

What is your age policy?

Our age policy varies by watercraft and there are no exceptions.

Rafts – Minimum age of four years old in rafts with at least 2 adults.
Tubes – Minimum age of five years old in tubes.
Kayaks – Minimum age of five years old in kayaks.
Canoes – Minimum age of five years old in canoes.
SUPs – Minimum age of five on stand-up paddleboards, recommended minimum age of 12.
Fishing Kayaks – Minimum age of five years old in fishing kayaks.

Where do we meet for our trip?

All of our trips float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, a great river for all experience levels. We are located at 8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630. A map to our headquarters is available on our directions page.

Please come to our office to participate in any river activity. All of our trips include free shuttle service to and from the river. Once you arrive at our office, transportation of guests and equipment to the river is provided.

We do have parking on the main office property for all guests taking our trips. Parking is limited, therefore we recommend arriving early and carpooling as much as possible. Parking is not available for those not taking our trips. We also offer maps of the North Section (Bentonville to Front Royal) and the South Section (Luray to Bentonville).

What type of shoes or footwear do I need to wear on the river?

All guests must wear either shoes, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. We do not allow flip-flops to be worn on any river trip.

How many people are able to be on each canoe, kayak, and raft?

For your protection,

three is the maximum number of people per canoe (but two is recommended)
one person per solo kayak
two people per tandem kayak
one person per tube
up to four people in 4-man rafts and up to six people in 6-man rafts

Can I bring any alcohol on my kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or rafting trip?

Alcohol and watersports do not mix. Please refrain from bringing alcohol on any river trip. Anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is subject to arrest by state and local authorities.

What time do I need to arrive for my trip reservation?

Please arrive 30 minutes early for your reservations or guided tour. Late arrivals risk delayed shuttle service.

OUR LOCATION

8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630

Front Royal Outdoors is located at 8567 Stonewall Jackson Highway in Front Royal, Virginia, nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Situated along U.S. Route 340 South, it lies approximately three miles past the entrance to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. This prime location offers easy access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, making it an ideal starting point for river adventures.

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