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Picture yourself drifting down one of Virginia's most productive smallmouth bass rivers in a custom 14-foot whitewater raft, with an experienced guide who's spent years learning every bend, boulder, and honey hole. That's exactly what you'll get with King Fisher Guide Services on the Shenandoah River. Travis knows this water like the back of his hand, and he's passionate about putting you on fish while sharing stories about local history and wildlife. Whether you're looking for a solid day trip or want to go all-out with a two-day float, you'll be fishing some of the best smallmouth bass water on the East Coast.
Your day starts at 8:00 AM sharp, and you're looking at a full 8 hours of prime fishing time. The beauty of floating the Shenandoah is that you're constantly moving to new water – no sitting in one spot hoping the fish will show up. Travis rows you through different runs, eddies, and pools where smallmouth bass love to hang out, and he's got the timing down to hit each spot when conditions are just right. The raft setup is perfect for this kind of fishing – stable enough to stand and cast, but maneuverable enough to work tight spots where the big bass like to hide. Don't worry about packing lunch or tackle; everything's included, from quality rods and reels to a hot meal that'll keep you fueled for the afternoon bite. If the Shenandoah's running too high or low, Travis has backup plans on nearby rivers, so you're never stuck with poor conditions.
This isn't your typical bass boat fishing – river smallmouth require a totally different approach. You'll be casting to structure as you drift downstream, hitting rock ledges, fallen trees, and deep pools where bass ambush baitfish. Travis will have you working everything from topwater poppers that create explosive surface strikes to soft plastics that mimic crawfish scurrying along the bottom. The key is reading the water and understanding how current affects your presentation. You might be throwing a spinnerbait into a slack water eddy one minute, then switching to a tube jig for a deep run the next. The constant movement means you're covering tons of water, and Travis knows exactly which lures work best in each section of river. He's also great at adjusting techniques based on your skill level – beginners get the fundamentals down solid, while experienced anglers pick up new tricks that work specifically for river smallmouth.
"I have been fishing with Travis since 2017 - in fact our first trip together was the day of the solar eclipse! We had stellar fishing, an amazing picnic lunch on the river while we took a break to watch the eclipse. Travis is the kind of guide who truly wants you to enjoy the water, relax, maybe learn something new, and to get the most out of your experience." - Joel
"Excellent guide! Friendly, engaging, and put us on fish. If you are an avid angler, then this is a must excursion. We fished the same lure (ain't sharing Travis's Trade Secret) all day and caught PLENTY of fish. What a recommendation! Smallmouth just annihilated it. I bet, for certain, that we missed the hook set or the fish head shook and got off - at least as many as we caught (over 40, not including the ones that Travis caught)." - Mark
"Travis is excellent. In addition to putting us on the fish, he is a remarkable local historian and his conversation is worth the price of the trip." - John Patrick
Shenandoah River smallmouth bass are absolute warriors – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. These bronze-backed beauties typically run between 12-16 inches, with plenty of 18+ inch fish mixed in during peak season. Spring and fall are prime time when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 60-70 degrees, but summer fishing can be phenomenal early in the morning and late in the day. What makes river smallmouth special is their aggression – they have to compete for food in current, so they'll absolutely crush a well-presented lure. You'll see them explode on topwater baits, especially during low-light periods, and their jumps are legendary. They love rocky structure, current breaks, and deeper pools, which the Shenandoah has in abundance. The cool thing about this fishery is the variety – you might catch a scrappy 12-incher that fights like it's twice that size, then hook into a true trophy that'll test your drag and your skills. Travis knows their seasonal patterns inside and out, so you're always fishing the most productive water for the conditions.
The Shenandoah River delivers consistent action for smallmouth bass, and Travis's knowledge of the water makes all the difference between a good day and a great one. With trips limited to just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning in the raft. The included lunch, tackle, and Travis's years of experience make this a top-rated choice for both local anglers and folks traveling to fish Virginia's premier smallmouth water. Whether you choose the full-day adventure or commit to the two-day experience, you're looking at world-class river fishing with a guide who genuinely cares about your success. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bass are most active.
July 24, 2025
I have been fishing with Travis since 2017 - in fact our first trip together was the day of the solar eclipse! We had stellar fishing, an amazing picnic lunch on the river while we took a break to watch the eclipse. Travis is the kind of guide who truly wants you to enjoy the water, relax, maybe learn something new, and to get the most out of your experience. He'll surprise you with his intimate knowledge of smallmouth bass behavior, as well as the local fauna and flora as well. Over the years, I have taken my daughter fishing with Travis too where she learned how to fly fish and all about the amazing Shenandoah river. My favorite way to fish is in the dog days of summer with a popper but I was lucky enough to also fish for carp on the fly with Travis (but you got to go to know!) Whether its on the fly or using conventional gear, I can not recommend fishing with Travis enough.
April 8, 2025
A day with Travis is always a unique and enjoyable experience. He is a wealth of knowledge, master guide and angler, and genuine good guy. Each trip makes me a better fisherman for sure. Thanks again Travis!
May 7, 2025
Great day on the river. Fishing was great and the trip down the river was absolutely beautiful. Beavers swimming by, eagles flying above us and deer were everywhere.
March 30, 2025
Great time nice day great guide
May 25, 2024
Fantastic time, loved everything about the trip! Greatest guide ever, perfect trip!
June 8, 2024
Great trip! Good stories and 3 walleye on top of some nice smallies!
October 25, 2025
Great trip! Amazing guide, highest recommendation. Will be sharing with friends and family.
October 10, 2022
Wonderful day on the Shenandoah. Looking forward to our next trip.
July 30, 2023
Great guide that put us on fish and is a wealth of knowledge (fishing, outdoor, local history, etc). A joy to get to know and fish with. I'll definitely be booking again in the future!
March 19, 2024
I can't recommend enough King Fisher Guides and Travis! The day was absolute perfection. Directions to the meet up were clear and easy to follow. Everything was planned down to the smallest detail. We felt we were in very capable hands. The boat set up was fantastic. Travis's knowledge of fishing (and local area, plants, birds) shined through. He was such a fantastic host and guide. Travis is fun and easy to talk to and extremely patient. My sister and I learned a lot from him. And lunch was amazing - from the picturesque location to the amazing soup (which we are still talking about)-everything was thought of. It was truly a memorable trip for my sister and I. I would not hesitate to book a future trip with Travis. Great for novice or experienced angler.
March 28, 2024
Great day fun fishing plenty of action Thank you Travis
April 22, 2024
Excellent guide! Friendly, engaging, and put us on fish. If you are an avid angler, then this is a must excursion. We fished the same lure (ain’t sharing Travis’s Trade Secret) all day and caught PLENTY of fish. What a recommendation! Smallmouth just annihilated it. I bet, for certain, that we missed the hook set or the fish head shook and got off - at least as many as we caught (over 40, not including the ones that Travis caught). No citations but certainly a few hogs. My son and I will 100% be booking another trip.
June 3, 2024
Travis always works hard to put his clients on the bite, and on the fish. Travis has years of experience and knows the river. He is in tune with the seasons, weather, fish, and bites and knows what is working what is not, where to go and where to steer clear of. Worth every penny. Wife and I caught plenty of Smallies, and even landed an 18+ incher.
June 13, 2024
Travis always works hard to put his clients on the bite, and on the fish. Travis has years of experience and knows the river. He is in tune with the seasons, weather, fish, and bites and knows what is working what is not, where to go and where to steer clear of. Worth every penny. Wife and I caught plenty of Smallies, and even landed an 18+ incher.
June 13, 2024
Priceless! My son and I spent 10 hours floating the Shenandoah River with Travis (guide) fishing for Smallmouth Bass as my gift to him to celebrate our July birthdays. The weather – odd because of low humidity, lows temps (nothing over 78 degrees), and some overcast. The fish – plentiful and good size. The Bald Eagles – they were our guides at every river bend and at one point we had 5 flying over hear (sighted 30+ eagles in all). The water – clear, low and clean. The section of the Shenandoah River floated – we were the only ones with no distractions other than landing fish. Travis the guide – Recommend highly, and we celebrated his own father’s life. The talk on the raft – living life and enjoying the moment at hand. The food – spot on. The memories made – Priceless.
July 21, 2024
Travis is excellent. In addition to putting us on the fish, he is a remarkable local historian and his conversation is worth the price of the trip.
July 26, 2024
Great trip travis and john worked real hard to make sure we had a good experience Thanks guys hope to come back one day
July 26, 2024
My daughter Mia and I recently had the pleasure of spending a day fishing on the Shenandoah River with Captain Travis Edens, and we are forward to the next trip. From start to finish, Captain Travis demonstrated exceptional skill, knowledge, and passion for fishing, making our trip not only successful but also incredibly enjoyable. Expertise and Knowledge-Captain Travis is a true master of his craft. His deep understanding of the Shenandoah River and its diverse fish population is evident in every aspect of his guiding. He knows the best spots to fish, the right techniques to use, and the perfect bait for different types of fish. His ability to read the river and predict fish behavior ensured that we were always in the right place at the right time. Exceptional Service From the moment we met, Captain Travis was friendly, professional, and accommodating. He took the time to understand our fishing goals and tailored the trip to meet our needs. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete novice, Captain Travis has a unique ability to make you feel comfortable and confident. His patience and willingness to share his knowledge made the trip educational and fun. Mentorship and Guidance-What truly set this trip apart was how Captain Travis made the experience special for my daughter, Mia. As this was her first time fishing on a boat, she was both excited and a bit nervous. Captain Travis went out of his way to ensure that Mia felt included and capable. He took the time to teach her the basics, from casting the line to reeling in her catch, always encouraging her and celebrating each of her successes. His gentle and enthusiastic approach transformed Mia's initial apprehension into pure joy, and by the end of the day, she was already asking when we could go fishing again. Equipment and Safety-Captain Travis provides top-notch equipment for fishing on the Shenandoah, ensuring that all gear is in excellent condition and suitable for the day's fishing conditions. Safety is clearly a priority for him, as he thoroughly explained all safety procedures and ensured that we followed them throughout the trip. His well-maintained boat and attention to detail left no doubt that we were in capable hands. The Fishing Experience-The fishing itself was greatl. He was always ready with a helpful tip or a word of encouragement, making each moment on the water enjoyable. Beyond the fishing, the Shenandoah River is stunningly beautiful, and Captain Travis knows how to make the most of it. He guided us to some of the most picturesque spots, highlighting the tree types and helping spot the Bald Eagles while taking in the natural beauty. The serene environment, combined with Captain Travis's excellent storytelling, made for a peaceful and memorable day on the water. Captain Travis Edens offers an unparalleled fishing guide service on the Shenandoah River. His expertise, dedication, and passion for fishing create an outstanding experience for anglers of all skill levels. His thoughtful and attentive approach ensured that my daughter Mia had a wonderful time, making it a truly memorable family adventure. If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, look no further than Captain Travis Edens. I can't recommend him highly enough and look forward to our next trip with him.
July 28, 2024
Had an excellent time fishing! Amazing scenery along the river and definitely peaceful! Travis was great. Even during an hour monsoon of rain, thunder and lightning we kept going and still caught fish!
August 1, 2024
Excellent trip with a first rate guide and teacher. We’ll be back.
September 4, 2024
My father and I fished today and we had a thrilling experience catching small mouth bass on the Potomac river. This is the 2nd time booking Travis and he is a professional and personable guide who knows the river and the surrounding area's history to all the wildlife you may see while on the river. I would say we caught 40 fish between my father and I today. I recommend KingFisher!
September 11, 2024
Smallmouth bass are the backbone of our Shenandoah trips. These bronze fighters average 12-16 inches here, with occasional fish pushing 18-20 inches. They love the river's rocky ledges, fallen timber, and deeper pools where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallow water during warm afternoons. Summer pushes them deeper, making early morning and evening your best shots. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're scrappy as any freshwater fish. They'll jump, run, and test your drag on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. Here's a local tip: when the water's up and murky, focus on the inside bends where current slows and visibility improves. That's where they'll be waiting.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
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Maximum Cruising Speed: 1
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 1
Water conditions weren't ideal, but Travis knew the water, and put me on fish. The lunch he provided was the best I ever had on a float trip! I had a great time, and will be booking again.