moderate
3–6 hours
Basic fitness needed to manage a few hours on the water, including sitting, standing, and light paddling or rowing.
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.
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.
Ben Bailey knows where the bass hide and will direct your casts to the most productive spots on the Shenandoah.
Water levels fluctuate seasonally; dress accordingly and listen to your guide’s advice for safety.
Mornings can be cool by the river while afternoons warm up; layering lets you stay comfortable all day.
If you’re new to fly fishing or spinning reels, a little prep time improves your confidence and casting success.
The Shenandoah Valley has long been a region tied to fishing and river commerce dating back to colonial times.
Maintaining water quality and fish habitats is critical; Dragonfly Fishing Company promotes catch-and-release and low-impact practices.
Reduces glare and helps you spot fish and underwater structures.
spring|summer|fall specific
Protects from unexpected showers and wind on the river.
spring|fall|summer specific
Provides traction and foot protection for riverbank and boat access.
summer|spring|fall specific
Crucial for skin protection during long hours in the sun.
all specific