Susquehanna River Fishing – Seasonal Tips and Guide
Fishermen targeting the Susquehanna River can expect encounters with a variety of fish species. Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, musky, yellow perch, black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, rock bass, brown bullhead, channel catfish, common carp, fall fish, and white sucker are among the common catches in these waters.
The river’s diverse ecosystem ensures that fishermen can pursue different species, adding to the appeal of this iconic East Coast river. Whether you’re a novice fishermen or an experienced fishing enthusiast, the Susquehanna River offers a blend of challenge and reward against the backdrop of its scenic surroundings.
The Susquehanna River, with its impressive 444-mile span, weaves through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, creating an inviting environment for fishermen. From historic Marietta in Pennsylvania to the scenic stretches in New York, the Susquehanna River is not just a water body but a vital part of the cultural and recreational fabric of the region.
Marietta, PA, stands out as a notable location along the Susquehanna River, with the river’s deepest point at 33.41 feet. Tributaries and smaller rivers feed into the Susquehanna, creating a network that ensures a thriving habitat for numerous fish species.
Other New York State Fishing Spots
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring (March to May)
In spring, fishermen targeting smallmouth bass along the Susquehanna River can capitalize on the ravenous appetite of smallies. The colder waters, ranging in the 40s, provide an excellent opportunity to lure them using hair jigs, with the potential for landing a massive fish.
As temperatures rise, transitioning to deeper waters during sunrise and sunset enhances the chances of a successful catch. Post-mid-June, engaging in drift fishing around prominent rocks becomes an effective smallmouth bass fishing technique, often resulting in smallmouth bass pushing 18 inches.
For those seeking trout, the upper reaches of the Endless Mountains in the Susquehanna River present breathtaking views and clear waters that are conducive to superb trout fishing. Utilizing dry fly fishing or streamer fly fishing techniques yields favorable results, and popular spots include Boiling Springs Run, Curwensville Dam, and Shryock Run. The spring months and late fall are particularly promising for a rewarding trout fishing experience.
Summer (June to July)
In the summer months of June and July, smallmouth bass behavior shifts as they move towards deeper waters. Local fishing knowledge becomes increasingly valuable during this period, and hiring a guide is highly recommended to navigate the nuances of summer fishing on the Susquehanna River.
The river’s expansive waterways require a deep understanding of the local conditions to optimize the chances of a successful smallmouth bass catch. Simultaneously, the summer season maintains favorable conditions for trout fishing along the upper reaches of the Endless Mountains.
The breathtaking views, clear waters, and impressive-sized trout make this area a continued NY fishing hotspot for anglers. Employing fly fishing techniques, such as dry fly fishing and streamer fly fishing, remains effective during the summer months. Anglers can explore renowned trout fishing spots like Boiling Springs Run, Curwensville Dam, and Shryock Run on the Susquehanna River.
Fall (August to November)
As fall unfolds along the Susquehanna River, smallmouth bass undergo a shift in behavior, becoming notably more aggressive in their feeding patterns. This period offers anglers an opportunity to target smallies as they prepare for the colder days ahead.
Effective lures such as crankbaits and swimbaits prove successful in enticing bites during the fall season. Fly fishermen, attracted by the prospect of their next significant catch, are commonly seen on the river during the fall, with the colder water temperatures often bringing out larger fish.
Winter (December to February)
In the winter months spanning from December to February, fishermen on the Susquehanna River have a thrilling opportunity to pursue musky. Renowned for their hard-fighting nature, musky are a favorite among sportfishermen, and their activity remains consistent throughout the year, reaching a peak from November to February.
Winter fishing for musky requires strategic approaches, with larger setups being ideal for musky fishing. Jigs are particularly effective during the winter season, offering anglers a chance to land specimens measuring up to 45 inches or more.
What Susquehanna River is Known For
In the realm of fishing achievements along the Susquehanna River, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, stands out with Michael Wherley’s remarkable record. Mr. Wherley, an avid fishermen, etched his name in local fishing lore by landing a colossal 66-pound, 6-ounce flathead catfish.
This historic catch occurred in recent years, solidifying its place in the annals of Susquehanna River fishing history. The record-breaking fish measured an impressive length, showcasing the extraordinary size of the flathead catfish thriving in the river’s waters. As of the latest available information, the record still stands, a testament to both the angler’s skill and the Susquehanna River’s bounty.
The Susquehanna has played a pivotal role in the transportation history of the United States. Before the opening of the Port Deposit Bridge in 1818, the river acted as a natural barrier between northern and southern states, traversable only by ferry. The construction of early dams facilitated ferry operations during periods of low water, marking the river as a critical link in the region’s transportation network.
Beyond its historical importance, the Susquehanna River contributes significantly to the cultural and recreational fabric of the region. In Lancaster County, PA, the river is a fishing focal point, offering opportunities for fishermen to engage with the local ecosystem. The record-setting catch by Michael Wherley exemplifies the rich fishing potential that draws enthusiasts to the Susquehanna’s waters.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
Susquehanna River, flowing through various counties, offers multiple access points for boating and fishing. In Broome County, Grippen Park, located off Route 17C, has a hard surface ramp accommodating 10 cars and trailers. Harold Moore Park, on Old Vestal Road, provides another hard surface ramp with space for 10 cars and trailers.
Johnson City, under the NYS Route 201 Bridge, offers hand launching and parking for 10 cars. Sandy Beach Park on Route 7 has a hard surface ramp with space for 8 cars and trailers. Leo Schnurbush Park on Route 17 provides a hand launch option with parking for 6 cars.
Kirkwood Park at the Route 314 Bridge has a hard surface ramp and space for 6 cars and trailers. Riverside Lane, in Kirkwood, offers a hard surface ramp and shore fishing.
Windsor, near the Route 79 off-ramp, provides a car-top launch with parking for 6 cars. Ouaquaga on Doolittle Road has a hard surface ramp with space for 6 cars and trailers, and Nineveh on County Route 26 features a concrete ramp with parking for 8 cars and trailers.
Moving on to Chenango County, Afton, on the northeast end of the NYS Route 41 bridge, has a gravel ramp and parking for 12 cars and trailers. The Bainbridge Water Treatment Facility, off Front Street, offers a hard surface ramp and space for 8 cars and trailers. Bainbridge Park, downstream of the Route 206 bridge, provides a hard surface ramp with parking for 5 cars and trailers. General Clinton Park, off Rt. 7 in the Village of Bainbridge, features a hand launch and bank fishing.
In Tioga County, Canon Hole, 1.5 miles west of Barton, has a gravel ramp with parking for 8 cars and trailers. Barton, off Route 17 in the hamlet of Barton, offers hand launching with parking for 10 cars. Nichols (West) on West River Drive and Nichols (East) on East River Drive provide concrete ramps with parking for 7 and 12 cars and trailers, respectively.
Hickories Park off Route 17C has a hard surface ramp and space for 6 cars and trailers. Marshland Road, off Marshland Road, features a hard surface ramp with parking for 10 cars and trailers. Apalachin Bridge, between Routes 17C and 434 on the south side of the river, provides a concrete ramp with parking for 12 cars and trailers.
Lastly, in Otsego County, Colliersville along Route 7 offers a hand launch with parking for 10 cars. Crumhorn, off County Road 35 on the east side of the river, features a hard surface ramp with parking for 8 cars and trailers and 6 cars. Emmons off County Road 47 provides a hand launch with parking for 20 cars.
Oneonta, off Route 205 at the westerly city limits, has a hand launch with parking for 15 cars and trailers. Sidney on the north bank of the river west of the intersection of Route 7 and new Route 8 offers a hand launch with parking for 30 cars. For additional details, including Google Maps driving directions, visit the respective Boat Launch Sites pages for Broome, Chenango, Tioga, and Otsego Counties.
