Front Royal, Virginia  ·  Shenandoah River

Shenandoah
Smallmouth Co.

Guided float trips fly fishing for smallmouth bass —
the pound-for-pound freshwater champ.

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Why Fish With Us

A Guided Experience, Not Just a Tour

01

Local Water

We know these stretches — the ledges, grass beds, and shaded runs where the fish hold. We read flows, weather, and conditions to put you on the fish.

02

Gear Handled

A truly all-inclusive experience. Rods, reels, flies, and the drift boat are all covered. Bring polarized glasses, a Virginia fishing license, and a willingness to learn. Guide ties the knots!

03

Your Pace

We can spend the day dialing in your casting mechanics or chasing a personal best — the day flexes to you. Coaching when you want it, relaxing time on the water when you don't.

The Water

Bronze in Moving Water

The Shenandoah is one of Virginia's great smallmouth rivers — long shaded runs, rocky ledges, and grass beds that hold hard-fighting fish all season long.

We fish from a drift boat, covering miles of river you simply can't reach on foot. You stand, you cast, the river does the walking. Topwater poppers at first light, then streamers and crawfish patterns through the heat of the day.

Smallmouth have pull above their weight. On the right morning the eats are nonstop. Beginners catch fish. Veterans find the kind of water they remember. Either way, you're off the grid and on the bite.

Trips launch from the South Fork and main stem depending on flows and season. Sam runs the boat, ties the knots when you want him to, and gets out of the way when you don't.

Target Smallmouth bass
Method Fly — topwater & streamer
Craft Drift boat — up to 2 anglers
Launch Front Royal, Virginia
Prime Season April – October
Skill Level First cast to seasoned

Book a Day on the River

Trips & Lessons

Every float includes the drift boat, gear if you need it, flies, and a guide who'd rather you catch fish than hear him talk. Mornings book fast in summer — reach out early.

~8
Approx.
Hours

Full-Day Float

The signature trip. Miles of river, multiple stretches. All tackle, lunch and drinks provided.

Drift Boat Shore Lunch Flies Included Loaner Gear 1–2 Anglers
$475
1 angler
$550
2 anglers
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2.5
Lesson
Hrs

Casting Lessons

Never picked up a fly rod? Start here. Need a tune up? We can help. We can work on distance, hauling, presentation and more.

All Gear Provided Casting Instruction Knots & Rigging Up to 3 People
$100
up to 3 people
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Your Guide

Sam Hirt

Sam grew up chasing smallmouth in the Shenandoah Valley — first learning to fly fish here over 25 years ago as a young kid. That early obsession never let go.

With 7 years of professional guiding experience, he's fished across the country and internationally, chasing bass, trout, bonefish, tarpon, and more. That being said, the Shenandoah is our home water.

Our philosophy is simple: fly fishing should be fun and accessible, not intimidating or exclusive. Whether you've never held a fly rod or you've been fly fishing for decades, Sam builds the day around you — patient instruction, deep local knowledge, and a genuine investment in your success on the water. No matter what the conditions are, we believe that if you enjoyed your time on the water and learned something new, it was a successful day. It's all about medicine for the soul!

Book a Float with Sam

Book Your Trip

Let's Get You on the River

Tell Sam your dates and how many anglers, and he'll confirm availability and the best stretch for the conditions. Mornings book fast in summer — reach out early.

Guide Sam Hirt
Launch Front Royal, Virginia
Season April – October · Weekends primary, select weekdays available