Shenandoah Guided Float Trip

NEW Strasburg, VA 1 - 2 People 8 Hours From $475 Trip #9778
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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.

Drift through some of the most scenic and fish-filled rivers in Virginia and West Virginia with Captain Matt on a full-day float trip built for anglers who want to cover water, cast to structure, and hook into hard-fighting fish. Whether you’re dialing in topwater presentations for bronzebacks or sight-casting to golden ghost carp in shallow flats, this float trip brings you into the heart of the action with no need to wade or hike—just kick...

About Your Trip

Drift through some of the most scenic and fish-filled rivers in Virginia and West Virginia with Captain Matt on a full-day float trip built for anglers who want to cover water, cast to structure, and hook into hard-fighting fish. Whether you’re dialing in topwater presentations for bronzebacks or sight-casting to golden ghost carp in shallow flats, this float trip brings you into the heart of the action with no need to wade or hike—just kick back, cast, and hang on.

Designed for one or two anglers, these guided drift trips take place on hand-selected public stretches of water chosen based on conditions, river flows, and seasonal fish behavior. Captain Matt’s custom raft is rigged for comfort and performance, getting you into otherwise unreachable areas loaded with fish and free from the crowds. You’ll target aggressive smallmouth bass that explode on poppers, smash streamers, and give a drag-screaming fight in current. When conditions are right, carp become a thrilling technical challenge—big, smart, and powerful, they’re a blast on fly or light tackle.

All rods, flies, and gear are included, along with the raft and safety equipment. Fly anglers and traditional tackle users are both welcome, and Matt will adjust the approach based on your preference and experience level. This is a full-day experience, so lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are provided to keep you fueled for a day of casting and chasing fish across dynamic water.

These float trips are all about flexibility and personalization. When you book, Matt will talk through your fishing goals and decide on the best river for your adventure—whether it’s a well-known stretch of the Shenandoah or a lesser-traveled piece of water in the mountains or valleys of Virginia or West Virginia.

All fishing is catch-and-release, and a valid freshwater fishing license is required for the state you’ll be fishing in. Depending on the location, some rivers may also require a trout stamp or other permits, which Matt will help you sort out when you call to book.

So pack your sun gear, wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and get ready for an unforgettable day floating through some of the most productive and scenic rivers in the region. Whether it’s your first time drifting or you’re chasing your personal best smallmouth on the fly, Captain Matt will make sure you're in the right spot with the right setup for a full day of river adventure.
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.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

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

8 hours
1 Person
$475.00
2 People
$550.00
Pay $100 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Matt

Matt S.

Independent Guide
Talkative
Instructional
Quality
Laid-back
Adventurous
Expert Oriented
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...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Matt

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?
NA
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

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Shenandoah Guided Float Trip
Boat photo for Shenandoah Guided Float Trip
Boat photo for Shenandoah Guided Float Trip
Boat Type
Drift Boat
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Drift Boat
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No
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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.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

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 »
  • 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

  • Artificial Lure Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Light Tackle Fishing
  • Wading

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.

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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.
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