Susquehana River options?

[BadBass94]

Hi guys, i live in Pennsylvania about halfway between York and Harrisburg. Havnt had all that much luck on the river but i know theres tons of fish out there. Anyone know of some good spots for large mouth, *small mouth, walleye? Any advice is helpful thanks!

[stratos 375]

I've been fishing the river impoundments, Wingo/ Clarke & Aldred since the 80's. They are all equally as worthless. Sure, in the springtime you can catch fish there, and I'm sure some of the local river rats do well there year 'round. But for the average angler, they can be a nightmare, and winning weights are typically less there than down on the flats. They get muddy, they get rough and that river will constantly try to deprive you of your lower unit.  It also gets loaded with wood floaters of all sizes. There's other places that will give you more fish per hour than those impoundments.

That said, once you get up near Harrisburg, the fishing gets much more improved. You didn't say if you were fishin from a glass boat, a tin boat or a pair of sneakers. Although up there you see guys in tinnies w/ jet drives, sneakers are my preferred method. Go between Duncannon & the mouth of the Juniata. Find river road(?) on the eastern side, try to find a place to park ( might not be easy), and just walk right into the river, in a lot of spots, you can just wade across. Use a Mepps 3, small jerkbait, tubes, 1/4 oz. traps in red or craw. I've had many 50 fish days with a 4 lb kicker or two. We're talkin smallies here not LM's. You'll have an occaisional 'eye , musky , lm and channel cat as well.

I've fished above and below the area I mentioned, but that particular stretch of the river seems to be the most consistent. At any time during the year, the entire river can be unfishable due to rains, so call ahead. There's a canoe rental place right near the mouth of the Juniata that'll give you water levels. Their name escapes me now.

If'n you do go wading, invest in a pair of Corkers or other spiked footwear, otherwise you're certain to go for a dip or two. Always wear a PFD up there, you walk around out there enough, you'll fall in a deep hole or two.

If you really want to get your string stretched, put a canoe in below the 'wingo dam in May/ June or July & fish for stripers. I've had days where I've had 30 or more stripers, all averaging over 10 lbs, and up to 30 lbs. If you're interested in that, PM me & I'll give you more info. I've made a couple hundred trips down there. A few good trips & you'll forget all about them green and brown fish. It's one of my favorite spots on earth.

[Pitchinkid]

SpeedBead. fishes the Susquehana often. Check with him on locations.