Shenandoah River Fishing Trips with Dragonfly Fishing Company - Harrisonburg, VA

Shenandoah River Fishing Trips with Dragonfly Fishing Company

Harrisonburg, VAmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–6 hours

Fitness Level

Basic fitness needed to manage a few hours on the water, including sitting, standing, and light paddling or rowing.

Overview

Experience the Shenandoah River like never before with Dragonfly Fishing Company. Guided float trips bring anglers of all levels hands-on access to smallmouth bass-rich waters, with expert instruction and enduring river views.

Details

Set against the rolling landscape of Luray, Virginia, Dragonfly Fishing Company delivers an authentic smallmouth bass fishing experience on the Shenandoah River. This area, carved through the Blue Ridge foothills, is famed for clear water channels, rocky shoals, and deep holes—all prime habitats for an active fish population that includes smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, and sunfish.

Ben Bailey, the knowledgeable guide and owner, takes anglers on river float trips that combine hands-on instruction with sustained action. Whether you’re casting a spinning reel or trying your hand at fly fishing, Ben’s expertise and patience help both novices and experienced anglers refine their skills and catch plenty of fish. Past guests have hailed his ability to read the river’s subtle currents and quickly locate productive spots, making these fishing outings some of the most productive and educational in the region.

Beyond fishing, the Shenandoah River itself offers a vibrant outdoor setting shaped by limestone formations and shaded by mixed hardwood forests. Anglers float beneath stands of sycamore and oak while watching for local wildlife like great blue herons and river otters. The rhythm of river travel adds a meditative flow to these trips, with every cast throwing you deeper into the heart of the Shenandoah’s ecosystem.

The company’s half- and full-day trips are designed with a focus on fun, learning, and connection to the water. Guests have praised the welcoming atmosphere Ben cultivates and the genuine care he shows for making each trip memorable. Families, couples, and solo travelers can expect a balance of steady fishing action and peaceful river scenery.

Dragonfly Fishing Company holds a special place within the local outdoor scene by turning the Shenandoah’s natural features into a hands-on classroom and fishing playground. It’s an ideal entry point for anyone looking to fish Virginia’s rivers with a guide who combines skill, warmth, and respect for this remarkable waterway.

Adventure Tips

Trust your guide’s reading of the river

Ben Bailey knows where the bass hide and will direct your casts to the most productive spots on the Shenandoah.

Prepare for variable river conditions

Water levels fluctuate seasonally; dress accordingly and listen to your guide’s advice for safety.

Bring layered clothing

Mornings can be cool by the river while afternoons warm up; layering lets you stay comfortable all day.

Practice casting techniques before your trip

If you’re new to fly fishing or spinning reels, a little prep time improves your confidence and casting success.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Deep-water holes near river bends favored by bass
  • Less-trafficked river stretches below Luray

Wildlife

  • Great blue heron
  • River otters

History

The Shenandoah Valley has long been a region tied to fishing and river commerce dating back to colonial times.

Conservation

Maintaining water quality and fish habitats is critical; Dragonfly Fishing Company promotes catch-and-release and low-impact practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning
Late afternoon golden hour
Overcast midday for even light

Best Viewpoints

  • River bends with rocky outcrops
  • Shaded tree-lined banks
  • Approach to riffles and deep holes

What to Photograph

Moving water and fish activity
Rippling reflections on the river surface
Action shots of casting and reeling

Recommended Gear

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare and helps you spot fish and underwater structures.

spring|summer|fall specific

Lightweight rain jacket

Essential

Protects from unexpected showers and wind on the river.

spring|fall|summer specific

Wading shoes or sturdy water sandals

Essential

Provides traction and foot protection for riverbank and boat access.

summer|spring|fall specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Crucial for skin protection during long hours in the sun.

all specific

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