Susquehanna River Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide

The Susquehanna River is one of the greatest smallmouth bass rivers in North America. Running through the heart of Pennsylvania before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay, the lower Susquehanna near Harrisburg offers some of the most consistent trophy smallmouth bass fishing you'll find anywhere on the East Coast.

I've guided anglers on the Susquehanna for years and it never gets old. The river is big, powerful, and full of fish — and it rewards anglers who understand its unique character. In this guide I'll break down everything you need to know to catch smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River.

What Makes the Susquehanna Special

The Susquehanna is the longest river on the East Coast of the United States, and the lower section near Harrisburg is particularly productive for smallmouth bass. The river here is wide — often a mile or more across — with a complex bottom of large boulders, gravel bars, and submerged islands that create endless smallmouth habitat.

What sets the Susquehanna apart from other rivers is the sheer size of the fish. The river's abundant forage base — crayfish, hellgrammites, shad, and herring — produces smallmouth bass that regularly push 18–21 inches. Trophy fish over 5 pounds are caught every season by anglers who know the right spots and presentations.

Key Areas to Fish on the Lower Susquehanna

Submerged Islands and Flats

The Susquehanna has numerous submerged islands and shallow flats that are prime smallmouth territory. These areas warm up quickly in spring, attracting pre-spawn fish looking for gravel to spawn on. In summer, the edges of these flats — where shallow water drops into deeper channels — hold fish throughout the day.

Rocky Points and Current Breaks

Rocky points that extend into the main channel create current breaks that smallmouth use as ambush points. Fish the downstream side of these points with a tube jig or swimbait worked through the eddy. These spots are especially productive during high water when fish seek relief from strong current.

Deep Channel Edges

The main channel of the Susquehanna can run 15–25 feet deep in places, and the edges of these deep channels are prime holding areas for big smallmouth, especially in summer and winter. A drop shot rig or heavy tube jig worked along the channel edge will produce fish when surface conditions are tough.

Tributary Mouths

Where smaller streams and creeks enter the Susquehanna are natural fish magnets. These areas bring in cooler, oxygenated water in summer and warmer water in spring, and they concentrate baitfish year-round. Fish the seam where the tributary current meets the main river current for consistent action.

Top Baits for Susquehanna Smallmouth

• Swimbaits (3–4 inch): The Susquehanna's shad population makes swimbaits extremely effective. A paddle tail swimbait on a 1/4 oz jig head worked through current seams is deadly.
• Tube Jigs: Still the most versatile bait on the river. Use heavier heads (3/8–1/2 oz) to get down in the stronger current sections of the Susquehanna.
• Ned Rig: When fish are finicky — especially in clear, low water — a small ned rig is often the only thing that will get bites. Use natural colors like green pumpkin or brown.
• Crankbaits: Diving crankbaits that reach 6–10 feet are excellent for covering water and triggering reaction strikes from aggressive fish. Crawfish and shad patterns both work.
• Topwater: Early morning topwater action on the Susquehanna can be spectacular, especially in late summer and fall when big fish are feeding on the surface.

Susquehanna River Fishing Regulations

Fishing the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania requires a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. The river is managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and regulations including size and creel limits apply. Always check current regulations before your trip.

Guide Jeff Greene holds a valid Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission guide license and is fully licensed to guide clients on the Susquehanna River. All guided trips operate in full compliance with state regulations.

Guided Trips on the Susquehanna River

Shallow Water Fishing Adventures offers guided smallmouth bass trips on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, PA. Trips run from a custom 17-foot jet boat that can navigate the river's shallow rocky sections and reach areas that other boats can't access.

Susquehanna trips are available in 6-hour and 8-hour formats, with rates starting at $500 for 1–2 people. All tackle is provided. A $100 deposit is required to reserve your date.