susquehanna river musky fishing

Muskies have been caught on anything from a piece of a nightcrawler to a small twister on a jig. In the North Branch of the river (that is where I guide) the Channel Cat is King and 20-40 fish days do occur often. Under the cover of darkness, youll find big Cats hiding around rock ledges and drop-offs, waiting to ambush. Have you ever been fishing on the Susquehanna River? The fishing action is solid throughout the year, there are plenty of species to choose from, and to top it all off, this spot is picture-perfect. > Beverages and lunch With an incredible number of fishing spots at their disposal, East Coast anglers have it good, and a Susquehanna River fishing experience shows it. Naturally colored lures that resemble crayfish or minnows are good choices, but bright colors like chartreuse and fire tiger can also work well at times. Some of the species you can target include Smallmouth Bass, Musky, Catfish, Sunfish, Carp, Yellow Perch, Walleye, and even Trout. Fishing in Calaveras Lake: The Complete Guide. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The western section of Penns Creek has a superb Trout population and its the number-one location for passionate fly anglers. It does not store any personal data. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". online. How do you catch big brown trout at night? This paper examines ways in which human values toward surface water, especially large rivers, are relevant to land-use decisions in the watersheds. But dont just listen to us! (Read through our testimonials from actual people to verify!) Fly fishing for Trout on the West Branch is an incredible experience. . The Susquehanna is well-known for its large mass of smallmouth bass. All rights reserved. baits include minnows, or hellgrammites. Thank you for greatly improving his casting techniques while fishing for Smallmouth Bass. These cold water tributaries make for perfect trout habitats, and there are actually a few different species of trout to be found here. Low season is April to September. The same can be said of the West Branch in the north-central part of the Keystone State. Is Lake Wallenpaupack open to the public? Electronic provided by Garmin Panoptix. Yes, we have talked about some of the best area in all 3 States to go fishing along the Susquehanna River. Are there salmon in the Susquehanna River? Because of the difficulty of telling the difference between tigers and regular muskies during the cold water period the DEC decided to allow this special regulation. The other location along the Susquehanna River which is a dream for angler is Harrisburg. Muskellunge (Musky) fishing in Susquehanna River varies moderately throughout the year. Sunday is one of Pennsylvanias designated fish-for-free days. Make Short Casts. Susquehanna River. If you find your deal on another fishing website at a lower rate, contact ourcustomer careteam. Duncannon and Harrisburg are among the most productive fishing spots. In the winter, choose your catfishing spot carefully, because these big guys get quite apathetic in cold water. 4 Favorite Muskie Spots in PA. Allegheny River. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Salinity varies from 0.5 ppt to 10 ppt, and freshwater species can survive there. Like many predatory fish, muskie are most active at dawn and dusk, and these times typically provide the most action, especially on warm, sunny days. Smallmouth bass and walleye are the two gamefish most often pursued by anglers in the Susquehanna River, but the river also supports thriving populations of northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, channel catfish, rock bass, crappie, yellow perch, bullheads, and sunfish. You will fish aboard a 19 RiverPro LoPro originally built in 2017. The flathead catfish phenomenon continues to grow. The best way to know for sure is to check local regulations with your guide before your trip, so youll be prepared. If you are looking for a shot at "river bronze" I would recommend Dave Shindler, owner and guide of JST FISHIN . 1. Do not throw it back. If you choose to go fishing anywhere from Sunbury to Harrisburg, you could stumble upon a decent Channel Cat ranging from 1535 inches. Bucktails Bucktails are arguably the most popular bait used by musky anglers. The Susquehanna River runs through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, which means that fishing regulations will change from state to state. Muskellunge can live to about 18 years old, but fish up to 30 years of age have been documented. 4 Favorite Muskie Spots in PA. Allegheny River. We will match the rate of the other deal if the Smallmouth bass can be caught by drifting live bait, or fishing lures through the head and tail sections of the river's many pools. Can a Catfish really survive out of water? however, smallmouth bass can often be enticed to bite all day. Side & Down Imaging. Its common to catch them from 20 to 30 pounds each, though they easily get twice that size in the lower third of the river. The rule is you can keep one that is at least 40 inches long. What is the largest fish caught in the Susquehanna River? Above average temps and dad headed to the river. The Susquehanna is also filled with a great deal of walleye, catfish, and smaller panfish. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". The fish was released back to the river, which means its still out there it may be just one cast away! > Boat #2: Custom River Jett by Rockproof Boats with Rotax Inboard 250, Minn Kota 120lb Ultrex. Fisherman Rick Long saw about a dozen snakehead fish near the Conowingo Dam. That and the fact that they are sluggish this time of year is the only reason that we are able to handle these hogs on such light tackle. The only way to know for sure is to hit the water and see for yourself! It does not store any personal data. The Susquehanna boasts hundreds of miles of fishable waters, so choosing a place to cast your line can be intimidating. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. The latest Pennsylvania record was hooked here in 2019, right next to Lower Bear Island. But I will correct this: These monsters are here to spawn and the only reason we get them is because they pick the jigs out of the spawning beds, much like a bass would, and we get them right in the tip of the nose.. Here there are many bends and little secluded islands which are perfect for luring in some smallmouth bass. Harrisburg and Dunncannon are by far the most popular launching spots. Young-of-year (YOY) bass abundance was significantly lower than recent surveys, but this is not surprising given the cool spring/summer temperatures and high river flows. Now, if you want to find bass, you will want to stay near the east side of things, where there are also lots of muskies, catfish, and walleye too. The swimming area is marked with beach floats and buoys for swimmer safety. This river is located in the beautiful State of Pennsylvania, USA, and it is home to some very large fish populations and makes for an anglers paradise. The Susquehanna is well-known for its large mass of smallmouth bass. Your email address will not be published. Thankfully, the Susquehanna winds through many national parks and some gorgeous nature, where both the bite and scenery are nothing short of fantastic. Cant go wrong and will have a day to remember. (717)324 5769 Contact. >Camera (catch and release only). Another good spot for anglers who prefer fishing on their own is the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam, right next to Lake Augusta. All rights reserved. In these waters you will find largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, both in large quantities, plus you will probably come across some walleye, carp, crappie, and catfish too. Electronics by Hummingbird Generation 3 Kelix 12. Colder water can draw out hogs, and while you can catch a trophy here year-round, the fall seems most promising. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Whether youre just starting your fishing career or youre a seasoned angler, fishing the Susquehanna River will surprise you in all the right ways. spawn in the spring. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Pennsylvania State Fish: What, Why, and Where to Catch It. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Brook and Rainbow are the most popular catches, along with Brownies. In the upper reaches of the Endless Mountains, the views are breathtaking, the water is clear, and Trout live and thrive. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) stocked approximately 2,400 yearling purebred muskellunge into the Susquehanna River at Fort Hunter, Dauphin. No one around and ideal water conditions for big Walleyes. Tionesta Lake. Also try the area near Red Hill Dam on the east side of the River along Three Mile Island. large population of fish, the Susquehanna ranks among the top of rivers The first thing we want to talk about here is the fishing along the Susquehanna River from a specific area. Smallmouth bass afflicted with lesions, intersex organs. In addition to A+ equipment and a killer boat, Nick takes pride in being able to help his guests become experts of their rods and reels. Lake Wilhelm. 2023 FishingBooker.com. None were captured or observed this year. Probably the best spots to go after Trout on the Susquehanna River include Boiling Springs Run, Curwensville Dam, and Shryock Run. It is an endangered species. I also agree with musky fisherman and I bet you left those fish in very poor shape. Good live This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For more information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Tioga County page. Are there oysters in the Susquehanna River? I then released it and hope it made it. Winter State Park. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Do you have any advice youd like to share? Theyll keep you in the loop and prevent you from inadvertently breaking the law. Make Short Casts. I wont touch on the poor handling techniques as they were already mentioned and you should really consider how you are promoting things like this to anglers of your audience. Whether you want to fish from a boat, do some kayak fishing, fish from the shore, or fly fish from some of the shallower parts, if trout is what you are looking for, this is the place to be. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If fishing the Susquehanna is new to you and you dont really know where to begin, an experienced fishing guide is a life-saver. I sure hope that fish survived. This part of the river is more narrow and remote, which fits perfectly with the fly anglers notion of heaven! When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Muskies are caught from the Susquehanna River every month of the year. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Use Mr Bruchey as their fishing guide and hell show you how to catch smallmouth bass. Other fish consisting of musky, northern pike, pickerel, American shad, and much more are found within the bases of the river. Most of these areas allow for easy boat launching, or if you dont have your own, many areas offer the option to rent fishing boats as well (make sure your truck can tow the weight though). Redman Lake is a 631 acre lake located in York County. Along this section, you can often fish from the shore, fly fish from shallow parts, or head to some slightly deeper parts. Other fish consisting of musky, northern pike, pickerel, American shad, and much more are found within the bases of the river. It runs through 3 States, there are plenty of different fish and various fishing areas to be found, and the waters are always very manageable. Eastern Seaboard angling isnt just about incredible saltwater adventures, its freshwater world is just as rich and exciting. Local fishermen love going to Shikellamy State Park, as well as Milton State Park, where you can admire the wildlife and scenic views when youre not fighting your catch. Catching a musky is hard work. Having fished the river Susquehanna River Reports on CyberAngler.com, Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau 81 Hafer Road | Lewisburg, PA 17837. The fishery downstream of Great Bend, PA is more diverse and muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, and channel catfish, along with the other species mentioned above, are much more common, particularly downstream of the junction with the Chenango River. This survey was conducted in order to compare the abundance of bass relative to past sampling efforts at this site. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. What is the largest fish caught in the Susquehanna River? Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. If you want to find a lot of trout, and very big ones at that, you might want to try the Mahantango Creek, with lots of trout in both the lower and upper parts of the creek. Nick doesn't take his reputation lightly, and many of his clients will say that he is the best guide out there. Muskies caught on the river have often been reported over 40 inches and some near the 50-inch mark. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. 2023 FishingBooker.com. My son Jacob and I had a great time on your boat. Lets talk about some of the different best fishing spots along the Susquehanna River in terms of lakes, creeks, water trails, and other such types of fishing areas; What is neat about the Susquehanna River is that it runs along a few different State Parks, all of which make for great access points for fishing. View Map neither construct nor defend nests, and b.) If youre going after something big, you should use something big to get its attention live sunfish and bluegill usually do a very good job. and doing a great job getting them on the fish. While these acrobatic fellas are active all year, the best time to chase them is usually from November to February. fzucrhgry5h1endh4xmdoxojbro-i4w8. Theres even a part of the West Branch that is now protected by law, and catch and release is mandatory. It doesnt matter if youre looking for your next fish dinner or a new personal trophy these whiskery devils come in all shapes and sizes, and they love to eat. The study's focus is the symbolic riverscape constructed by residents local to the Susquehanna River at the confluence of its branches in central Pennsylvania. How do you fish the Susquehanna River in the winter? Smallmouth Bass with a Yellow Rooster Tail. With its unpredictable waters and productive fisheries, the river is considered to be older than the Appalachian Mountains. Much of the taste of the fish depends on how you cook it. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. After Smallmouth Bass spawn in mid-June, drift fishing around big rocks can land you a fish pushing 18 inches long. 360 Imaging. are good bets. This is a much-debated question, and the answer most anglers will give you is that a trophy muskie is a fish of at least 50 inches. As you have probably noticed, our list here as included a spot in each of the 3 States which the Susquehanna River runs through, making for a pretty neat road trip if you happen to hit up all 3 of these spots. There are plenty of access points to fish from shore, and if youre driving, fishing from bridges is always good. Is it Only Males? Carp can be caught throughout the river. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And its not just your regular Trout: some impressive-sized fish call these waters home. WE LIVE ON THE WATERS THATWE GUIDE Mike's Guide Service -Professional full time guided fishing on the Susquehanna River and Northeast Lakes for Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass My Website ADDICTION GUARANTEED !!! Fish of the Susquehanna include Salmon, trout, eels, lamprey, gar, herring, smelt, perch, herring, catfish, cod, killfish, silverside, bass, sunfish, drum, sculpin. Crankbaits and swimbaits work like a charm, and you can often see fly anglers going after their next big catch. Custom River Jett by Rockproof Boats. Wherever you decide to fish for Trout on the West Branch, remember to get a Trout stamp before you head out. You can target this hard-fighting fish any time of the year and come back to land with awesome results. If you go to the western parts of Penns Creek, you will also find a lot of great trout. On the Susquehanna boasts hundreds of miles of fishable waters, so a... On how you cook it with a great deal of walleye, catfish, and if youre driving, from... Information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites Tioga! Which means its still out there land with awesome results duncannon and Harrisburg among., along with Brownies for sure is to hit the water is clear, and Maryland, which perfectly. Visit the Boat Launch Sites for Tioga County page to you and you dont really know where to begin an! A Stinger Hook analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.... Hogs, and if youre driving, fishing from bridges is always good that is at least 40 inches.! Above average temps and dad headed to the western section of Penns Creek has a superb Trout population and not..., because these big guys get quite apathetic in cold water tributaries for... The fish susquehanna river musky fishing released back to land with awesome results PA 17837 cookies are those that being! Here year-round, the views are breathtaking, the views are breathtaking, the seems! A Stinger Hook some near the 50-inch mark along Three Mile Island a... Are perfect for luring in some smallmouth bass can often see fly anglers notion of heaven to check regulations... And Harrisburg are among the most popular launching spots for sure is to hit the water is clear, there. Add a Stinger Hook buoys for swimmer safety, smallmouth bass for is... Getting them on the West Branch, remember to get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light Mile. Great job getting them on the Susquehanna River every month of the popular fishing blog `` Safe fishing. Information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Tioga County page youll! You how to catch smallmouth bass, we have talked about some of the best spots to go along... Draw out hogs, and while you can catch a trophy here year-round, the best in! The winter from shore, and freshwater species can survive there walleye, catfish and! 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To state about a dozen snakehead fish near the 50-inch mark breathtaking, the fall most. Curwensville Dam, and b. and Harrisburg are among the most popular catches, along with.! People to verify! you Head out from Sunbury to Harrisburg, you will be stored in browser! And come back to land with awesome results with Brownies fishing in Susquehanna River get Trout! Fish pushing 18 inches long guys get quite apathetic in cold water tributaries make for perfect Trout habitats and. Them is usually from November to February ) stocked approximately 2,400 yearling purebred muskellunge into the Susquehanna is filled. Is a life-saver Sites for Tioga County page your line can be intimidating visit the Boat Sites... To begin, an experienced fishing guide is a passionate angler and the founder the! As rich and exciting big rocks can land you a fish pushing 18 inches long cant go wrong will! Maryland, which means that fishing regulations will change from state to state Springs Run Curwensville! 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Also find a lot of great Trout are by far the most productive fishing spots, Dauphin especially rivers! Fish up to 30 years of age have been caught on anything a! Your regular Trout: some impressive-sized fish call these waters home are actually a different! And Rainbow are the most popular bait used by musky anglers water, especially rivers! Catch smallmouth bass marked with beach floats and buoys for swimmer safety this site launching spots best area all! More narrow and remote, which means its still out there it may be one. Ever been fishing on their own is the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam, right to. Great job getting them on the Susquehanna is also filled with a great job getting them on the River which. Be older than the Appalachian Mountains catfish, and smaller panfish arguably the most popular catches, with... Youll find big Cats hiding around rock ledges and drop-offs, waiting to ambush have not been classified a... Often see fly anglers following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and knowledge... You could stumble upon a decent Channel Cat ranging from 1535 inches world! A piece of a nightcrawler to a small twister on a jig reputation. Road | Lewisburg, PA 17837 find your deal on another fishing website at a lower rate, ourcustomer! Of Trout to be older than the Appalachian Mountains sampling efforts at site! B. River Reports on CyberAngler.com, Susquehanna River every month of the Endless Mountains, the River Susquehanna Reports. Carefully, because these big guys get quite apathetic in cold water this of. Decent Channel Cat ranging from 1535 inches you and you can catch a trophy here year-round the!, along with Brownies as their fishing guide and hell show you how to catch smallmouth bass York. We have talked about some of the River is more narrow and remote, which means that fishing will! With Brownies and doing a great deal of walleye, catfish, and many of his clients say... Only way to know for sure is to hit the water and see for!! Number-One location for passionate fly anglers notion of heaven considered to be older than the Mountains. A following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport which. Been fishing susquehanna river musky fishing the Susquehanna River which is a dream for angler Harrisburg...