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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Wade into the cool, clear waters of the Shenandoah Valley with Matt and experience the kind of fishing that gets you off the beaten path and deep into some of Virginia’s most beautiful and productive freshwater systems. Whether you're chasing native brook trout in remote mountain creeks or targeting aggressive smallmouth bass in the rock-studded flows of the Shenandoah, these half-day and full-day guided trips are designed for anglers who want to explore, connect, and catch fish on foot.

For trout anglers, Matt offers access to private spring-fed streams and secluded backcountry creeks that are home to brook trout, brown trout, and rainbows. These waters are carefully managed, lightly pressured, and provide a serene setting for stalking wild fish with dry flies, nymphs, or streamers—depending on the hatch and the season. From pocket water to smooth glides, each section offers a different challenge and the chance to hook into something truly special.

If smallmouth are more your speed, Matt will guide you to the best stretches of the Shenandoah River—whether that’s the main stem, the North or South Forks, or other nearby rivers like the Potomac or North River. These waters are packed with structure and current seams, perfect for targeting bronzebacks with topwater flies, streamers, or conventional tackle. You may also encounter largemouth bass and even carp along the way, especially in slower pools and back channels.

Fly fishing and traditional tackle are both welcome, and Matt tailors every trip to your goals and experience level. All flies are provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own gear. If you don’t have waders, Matt has a few loaner pairs available. On full-day trips, lunch is included, giving you time to recharge and relax between fishy runs. Half-day trips focus on high-percentage windows for action, whether that’s a crisp morning on a mountain creek or an evening bite on the river.

Every trip is catch-and-release, and for anglers looking for even more exclusivity, private water access can be arranged for an additional fee. A valid freshwater fishing license is required for Virginia or West Virginia, and some locations also require trout stamps or National Forest permits. When you call to book, Matt will walk you through exactly what you need for your specific destination.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Waders

Wader rentals are available.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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Pricing Matrix

	5 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$300.00	$400.00
2 People	$400.00	$500.00

Pay $100 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Matt S.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Instructional

Quality

Laid-back

Adventurous

Expert Oriented

About Your Guide

Matt S.

Independent Guide

Matt grew up fishing the Shenandoah valley and surrounding area, fishing the small native trout streams to the rivers. Eventually making his way to Alaska to work as a guide on the Alagnak river fishing for all five species of salmon, grayling, Dolly Varden and trout. He has since been a carpenter and a fishing guide specializing in fly fishing for the last 30 yrs. Streamer, dry fly and tight line, float trips to wade trips and camping trips. Trout, Smallmouth, Carp, Largemouth, Musky, all have a time and place here in the Valley. He is first aid and cpr certified and can lift a donkey over his head.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Blue Marlin

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Seafood boil

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Blue Marlin

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Seafood boil

What’s your favorite band?

Southern rock

What’s your favorite movie?

Saving Private Ryan

What’s your favorite sports team?

What’s your drink of choice?

Coffee / Coca-Cola

What was your last halloween costume?

Old Greg

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Another fishing trip

How did you get started guiding?

Katmai Lodge , AK

What makes you different from other guides?

Experience in 30 yrs of fishing salt and freshwater species.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Strasburg, Virginia

Areas Fished

Shenandoah River

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Waders

Wader rentals are available.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Strasburg Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

All gear is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Michael

Verified Review

March 21

Matt was great guide and worked hard to make it a good trip. Fishing was slow, but the river and weather made up for the slow bite

Michael

Verified Review

March 21

Matt was great guide and worked hard to make it a good trip. Fishing was slow, but the river and weather made up for the slow bite

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Trip: Shenandoah Guided Float Trip

Response from Matt:

Michael thank you , you and Conner were a pleasure to have on the boat. I look forward to seeing you on the water again. Matt

Response from Matt:

Michael thank you , you and Conner were a pleasure to have on the boat. I look forward to seeing you on the water again.

Matt

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.

Shenandoah Guided Wade Trip

About Your Trip

About Your Trip

Pricing Matrix

About Your Guide

About Your Guide

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Start Location & Lodging Options

Trip Details & Amenities

Target Species

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Reviews

Response from Matt:

First Time Booking with Us?

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Shenandoah Guided Float Trip