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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 23, 2026
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Shenandoah River State Park launches South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Shenandoah River)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament Logo)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Fishing at Shenandoah River)

BENTONVILLE, Va. – Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park is excited to announce the launch of the South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament, a new annual event to be held on the scenic South Fork of the Shenandoah River.

The tournament will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., welcoming fly anglers of all experience levels for a day of friendly competition and outdoor adventure.

Tournament guidelines:

Fly fishing smallmouth competition only (other anglers may use the river but cannot participate in the tournament)
Open to anglers ages 10 and up
Catch-and-release using artificial lures only
Competitors must use park-designated access points
Competitors will be allowed to wade, float or fish from the banks.
Downriver Canoe Company will provide discount rates on rentals, or participants may use their own equipment
All catches must be photographed using the ruler provided, with geo-stamps and timestamps enabled
Standard Virginia fishing and license regulations apply
Six award categories: grand champion (small mouth), longest small mouth, longest small mouth caught by a female angler, longest small mouth caught by an angler ages 10 to 15, smallest fish of the day and weirdest fish

Advance registration is required and costs $50 for adults and $25 for anglers ages 10 to 15, which includes tournament entry and parking, discounted boat or bike rentals for river access and a tournament t-shirt and sticker. The tournament will be capped at 100 participants total.

A food truck, refreshment station, raffle prizes and casting lessons will also be onsite for participants. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends of Shenandoah River State Park and the Shenandoah Riverkeepers.

The South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament is presented by Shenandoah River State Park, Downriver Canoe Company, Shenandoah River Keepers, the Friends of Shenandoah River State Park and DWR.

For event details and registration information, go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/shenandoahriver-events.

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About Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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