South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament
- Date
- September 12, 2026
- Distance
- Adult Angler · Junior Angler
From the Organizer
South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament
This event has been rescheduled from the original date of May 30 to September 12 because of unfavorable river conditions.
Join us for a day of competitive fly fishing on one of Virginia's most scenic waterways! This tournament combines the thrill of angling with the beauty of Shenandoah River State Park, all while supporting vital conservation efforts.
What's Included in Your Entry Fee:
- Tournament entry and parking
- Discounted boat or bike rentals for river access
- Official tournament t-shirt
- Event sticker
Supporting Our River Community
Your participation directly benefits two critical organizations: Friends of Shenandoah River State Park and Shenandoah Riverkeepers. A portion of proceeds goes to Friends of the Park, with remaining funds supporting the Riverkeepers' conservation mission. Our generous sponsors contribute to an impressive prize fund that rewards skill, luck, and a sense of humor.
The South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament is a smallmouth-only fly fishing competition. Other species may still be entered, but they will be recognized within the Small Fry and Bottom Feeder award categories.
Tournament Day Schedule
- 6:30 AM – Check-in opens at Downriver with hot coffee; receive your tokens and scorecards
- 7:30 AM – Shotgun start—lines in the water!
- 2:30 PM – Lines out (mandatory)
- 3:00 PM – Final deadline for check-in and photo submissions
- 3:30–4:00 PM – Awards ceremony celebrating our champions
- 4:30 PM – Event wraps up
Competition Guidelines
Open to anglers ages 10 and up. Standard Virginia fishing regulations apply. This is a rain-or-shine event, though high river levels may require adjustments. Competitors must use park-designated access points only.
Photo Documentation Requirements:
All catches must be photographed with the official ruler provided, with geo-stamps and timestamps enabled. Screenshots will not be accepted. Submit all photos and scorecards by 3:00 PM at Downriver headquarters.
Facility Policies
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed (6 feet maximum). Alcohol is prohibited at all tournament venues.
Prize Categories (smallmouth-only)
Grand Champion – Longest combined length of your top 5 fish
Trophy + sponsor fly rod or premium gear + 2-night cabin stay + Downriver rental/shuttle package
The Lunker – Longest single fish overall
Trophy + sponsor tackle box or fly shop gift card
Lady Lunker – Longest fish caught by a female angler
Trophy + sponsor tackle box or fly shop gift card
Youth Lunker – Longest fish by an angler ages 10–15
Trophy + sponsor tackle box or gift card + sticker
The Small Fry – Smallest fish of the day (Any species)
Gift card to Virginia State Parks or Downriver
The Bottom Feeder – Weirdest fish (judges' choice) (Any species)
Gift card to Virginia State Parks
Whether you're chasing the Grand Champion title or hoping to land the most unusual catch of the day, this tournament offers something for every angler. Cast your line, enjoy the river, and help protect this incredible natural resource for generations to come.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
79°
Typical Low
57°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Front Royal, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Bentonville, VA
Elevation
878 ft
Nearest Airport
IAD
Washington Dulles International Airport · 45 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
96
Days to train
- Race
- South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament
- Date
- September 12, 2026
Coming Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament?
- South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament is a running race held in Bentonville, Virginia on September 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament?
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Bentonville, Virginia at 884 Indian Hollow Road, Bentonville, VA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
South Fork Fly Fishing Tournament
Sep 12, 2026