On this action-packed episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by NVKBA angler Nathan Updike, fresh off an incredible victory at the 2026 NVKBA Shenandoah River kayak bass fishing tournament! Nathan broke down an absolutely dominant performance, putting together an impressive 89.50-inch limit against one of the most stacked fields we’ve ever seen on the Shenandoah River.

NVKBA’s first river event of the 2026 trail season proved once again why the Shenandoah River is considered one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries on the East Coast for kayak fishing, river fishing, and tournament bass fishing. With mostly overcast skies and late-day rain showers keeping conditions perfect, 65 anglers combined to catch an incredible 262 smallmouth bass throughout the day.

Even more impressive, anglers recorded 5 Virginia citation smallmouth bass during the event, showcasing just how healthy and productive the Shenandoah River fishery continues to be. Along with giant bronzebacks, competitors also reported catching walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish while covering miles of moving water in search of winning fish.

In this episode, we break down:

• Shenandoah River smallmouth bass fishing patterns
• Kayak bass fishing tournament strategy
• River fishing techniques for pressured smallmouth
• Best baits and lures for Shenandoah River bass fishing
• Current conditions and seasonal river fishing trends
• How Nathan located and caught nearly 90 inches of river smallmouth bass
• Why the Shenandoah River continues to dominate as a premier kayak fishing destination

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