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Rivers & Streams

Susquehanna River Fishing Guide

Pennsylvania

A wide, shallow river near Harrisburg with famous smallmouth fishing.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Susquehanna River for smallmouth bass and walleye. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, smallmouth bass and walleye are in season, and Clouser Minnow, Crayfish Fly and Ned Rig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (2 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Sportsman's Warehouse in Camp Hill, 2 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Yellow Breeches Creek is 9 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Apr to Nov

In October

Smallmouth Bass, Walleye

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Susquehanna River Species

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Oct

Walleye

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Smallmouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Walleye

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Susquehanna River

Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

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Rigs

Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness

Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Line

Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon

Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Susquehanna River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · Pennsylvania · 9 mi

Yellow Breeches Creek

A limestone creek at Allenberry with a famous catch-and-release stretch and white fly hatch.

Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout

Rivers & Streams · Maryland · 48 mi

Gunpowder Falls

A cold tailwater below Prettyboy Dam with wild brown trout near Baltimore.

Brown Trout

Rivers & Streams · Pennsylvania · 51 mi

Penns Creek

Pennsylvania's largest limestone stream with wild browns and a big green drake hatch.

Brown Trout

Lakes & Reservoirs · Pennsylvania · 59 mi

Raystown Lake

Pennsylvania's largest lake fully in the state, with a striped bass fishery.

Striped Bass · Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass

Rivers & Streams · Pennsylvania · 64 mi

Spring Creek

A State College limestone creek with high numbers of wild brown trout.

Brown Trout

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland · 67 mi

Susquehanna Flats

Grass flats at the head of the Chesapeake with striped bass and largemouth. Check current Maryland spawning-season closures.

Striped Bass · Largemouth Bass