Ready to tangle with some hard-fighting smallmouth bass on one of Virginia's most scenic rivers? Our Shenandoah River float trips are the ticket. We'll get you out on the water for a full day of casting, drifting, and soaking up the beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills. Whether you're a seasoned bass angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of river fishing.
Picture this: You're kicking back in a sturdy 14-foot raft, cold drink in hand, while your guide does all the work of rowing and reading the water. We'll spend 8 hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the Shenandoah, hitting all the prime spots where smallies like to hang out. You'll learn the art of reading the river, picking out those sweet spots where bass are likely to be lurking. And when lunchtime rolls around, we'll pull up on a scenic gravel bar for a proper riverside picnic. It's not just about the fishing – it's a full-on river experience.
We keep things simple but effective on these trips. You'll be armed with light to medium spinning gear, perfect for tossing small crankbaits, soft plastics, and maybe even a topwater lure if conditions are right. Our guides are dialed in on what's working, so you might find yourself flipping a jig under overhanging trees one minute, then working a buzzbait across a calm pool the next. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
"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!" - Larry
"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." - Gary
"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." - Jennifer
The star of the show on the Shenandoah is without a doubt the smallmouth bass. These bronze-backed brawlers punch well above their weight class, known for acrobatic leaps and bulldog runs that'll test your drag and your skills. We typically target fish in the 1-3 pound range, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 4+ pound bruiser – they're out there, and they're mean.
Smallies in the Shenandoah are active from spring through fall, but summer is prime time. As the water warms up, these fish get aggressive, smashing topwater lures and chasing down fast-moving baits. It's visual fishing at its finest – there's nothing quite like watching a big smallie blow up on your lure.
What makes Shenandoah smallmouth so special? It's all about the habitat. The river's rocky structure, current breaks, and abundant crayfish population create the perfect environment for growing big, healthy bass. And because we float, we can access stretches of river that bank anglers can't reach, giving you shots at less-pressured fish.
While smallmouth are the main attraction, the Shenandoah's got a few more tricks up its sleeve. Depending on the season, you might tangle with some hard-fighting channel catfish, especially in the deeper pools. And if you're lucky, you could even hook into one of the river's elusive muskellunge – the "fish of 10,000 casts" that'll put your tackle and your nerves to the test.
But it's not just about what's under the water. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead, herons stalking the shallows, and maybe even a curious river otter checking out our raft. The Shenandoah Valley is teeming with wildlife, and a day on the water is like a floating nature tour.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, want to learn some new techniques, or just need a day away from it all, our Shenandoah River float trips deliver the goods. With everything taken care of – from tackle to lunch to local knowledge – all you need to do is show up ready for some fun on the water.
Remember, we keep these trips small – just two anglers per boat – to ensure you get personalized attention and the best shot at landing some fish. And if the Shenandoah's running a little high or low, no worries – we've got backup plans on nearby rivers that fish just as well.
Don't let another season slip by without experiencing one of Virginia's top-rated smallmouth fisheries. Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready to make some memories on the mighty Shenandoah. The smallies are waiting – are you ready to take them on?
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! 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
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
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 river's prize fighters. These bronze beauties typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they punch well above their weight class. You'll find them lurking around rocky structure, fallen trees, and current breaks. Spring and fall are prime times, when they move shallow and get aggressive. In summer, we'll target deeper pools where they escape the heat. Anglers love smallies for their acrobatic jumps and bulldog runs. They're also excellent eating if you choose to keep a few. For the best action, we like to "match the hatch" with small crankbaits or soft plastics that mimic their natural prey. One local trick: when the water's clear, try a weightless wacky-rigged worm. Let it flutter down naturally – smallies can rarely resist.
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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!