How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Harrisonburg, United States ? Today is a good day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Harrisonburg, Virginia sits in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, giving anglers quick access to standout trout streams, warm-water rivers, and stocked lakes. From mountain brook trout in Shenandoah National Park to smallmouth bass and muskies in the Shenandoah River, fishing near Harrisonburg offers diverse year-round opportunities for both fly and conventional anglers. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Moon under:
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Visibility:97%
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Full Moon
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Distance to earth:401,059 kmProximity:10.9 %
Moon Phases for Harrisonburg
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good Day
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major Time:01:26 am - 03:26 am
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minor Time:06:08 am - 08:08 am
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major Time:01:41 pm - 03:41 pm
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minor Time:09:14 pm - 11:14 pm
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
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Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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Fishing Overview Harrisonburg
Fishing around Harrisonburg, VA centers on three main options: the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River, coldwater trout streams in George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park, and a handful of nearby lakes and ponds. This mix of habitats puts everything from wild brook trout to hard-fighting smallmouth bass and even muskies within an easy drive of downtown Harrisonburg.
Seasonal patterns shape how you fish here. Spring is prime for trout on Mossy Creek, Dry River, and mountain tributaries when flows are stable and water temps sit in the 50s. Shenandoah River smallmouth turn on as the river clears from spring rains; look for the first consistent 60°F water for aggressive action on crankbaits and soft plastics. Summer pushes trout into deeper, shaded lies and higher-elevation headwaters, while warm-water species feed tight to current breaks and ledges at dawn and dusk. Fall brings some of the best fishing of the year—trout color up and chase streamers, and Shenandoah smallmouth bulk up on crayfish. In winter, downsized presentations and a slower approach pay off for muskies, walleye, and deep-holding trout.
Habitat and key waters are varied. The North and South Forks of the Shenandoah provide classic Valley river fishing with ledge rock, mid-river boulders, long gravel bars, and deep bends. Focus on transitions: where riffles dump into pools, where bedrock shelves break into softer bottom, and where feeder creeks enter. For trout, look to freestones like Dry River, North River, and mountain streams feeding the Shenandoah. These are pocket-water fisheries with plunge pools, undercut banks, and logjams that hold fish even at low flows. Nearby small lakes and public ponds offer easier access for bank anglers targeting largemouth, panfish, and stocked trout in cooler months.
Techniques and presentations depend on the target species. For Shenandoah River smallmouth, 3–4 inch soft-plastic craws and tubes on light jig heads consistently produce; work them slowly along rock edges and current seams. Topwater walkers and poppers shine on calm summer mornings and evenings over shallow flats. Fly anglers do well with woolly buggers, Clouser minnows, and surface bugs like Sneaky Petes, especially when targeting shoreline shade and eddies. For muskies, large inline spinners, glide baits, and big rubber swimbaits burned past laydowns and deep cuts are a solid starting point; make figure-eight turns boatside to convert followers.
On trout streams near Harrisonburg, pragmatic patterns outperform fancy ones. Nymphs such as Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and small stoneflies fished under an indicator through knee- to thigh-deep runs pick up most fish. In clear low water, switch to smaller sizes and longer leaders. Spinning anglers should rely on 1/16–1/8 oz inline spinners in natural colors and work them quartering upstream, retrieving just fast enough to keep the blade turning near the bottom. In mountain brook trout water, cover water quickly: a few casts per pool, then move.
Tactical tips for the Harrisonburg area start with water levels and clarity. On the Shenandoah, slightly stained water often fishes better than crystal-clear conditions; in clear water, lengthen leaders, downsize line, and make longer casts. Wading anglers should target softer inside bends and mid-river rock gardens; boaters can work outside bends and mid-channel ledges. On small streams, stealth is crucial—approach from downstream, keep a low profile, and use overhead cover to your advantage. Matching your tactics to each specific river reach or trout creek is the key to consistent success around Harrisonburg.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Harrisonburg area
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Harrisonburg. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Newman Lake Dam - 2.03823985094km , Silver Lake Dam - 6.88285077842km , Buttermilk Creek - 8.11059220944km , West Fork Linville Creek - 8.24602683359km , Snapp Creek - 8.96016761171km , War Branch - 9.51575409888km , Blacks Run - 10.21472875979km , Joes Creek - 10.42775034875km , Buttermilk Run - 10.60804351028km , Dry River - 11.63802667766km , Long Glade Creek - 12.66252338045km , Congers Creek - 13.04231774283km , Mossy Creek - 14.10001788315km , Tide Spring Branch - 14.21154322015km , Fridley Run - 15.37260613226km , Redbanks Run - 16.63465677635km , Union Springs Run - 16.63465677635km , Byers Branch - 16.75285065419km , Union Springs Dam - 16.85700365178km , Blue Hole - 16.87393073119km , Lower North River Number 80 Dam - 16.98151396791km , Hogpen Run - 17.11786701012km , Lower Lewis Run - 17.3521167925km , Little Hogpen Run - 17.54630413944km , North Fork Naked Creek - 17.72210009581km , Slate Lick Branch - 17.72970855227km , South River - 17.86036975055km , Daphna Creek - 18.07190246041km , Onemile Run - 18.19766935322km , Brock Creek - 18.32018272568km , Twomile Run - 18.50965857766km , Snag Run - 18.51126093433km , Gum Run - 18.66721251436km , Bonnie Brook - 18.75052447077km , Hangman Run - 18.76165542201km , Cross Mountain Run - 18.98134900004km , Middle River - 19.06837395106km , Earhart Creek - 19.20054965271km , Upper Lewis Run - 19.30534928566km , Monger Run - 19.34757902484km
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