Susquehanna River
Susquehanna River fishing in Pennsylvania is a smallmouth river near Harrisburg and Sunbury, with plenty of other species and long float stretches.
- 774 miRiver length
- 12Game fish
- 191Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Susquehanna
The Susquehanna is the longest river on the East Coast. It starts in Cooperstown, New York, and runs about 774 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. In Pennsylvania it is wide, shallow and full of rocky riffles and long runs. That makes it prime smallmouth habitat.
Smallmouth bass are the main draw, and the river also holds rock bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, common carp, channel catfish and fallfish. Harrisburg has some of the best known smallmouth water in the state. Sidney offers good wading spots on the New York side.
Most fly anglers float the river from Sunbury down toward Harrisburg. Wade anglers have plenty of public access, but the river can be dangerous at high water. A boat access like Fort Hunter helps, though wading is not an option at some ramps.
Spring is the season in our records. Water temperature and flow shape the bite more than anything. Crawfish patterns and Dungeons are classics. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations for the section you plan to fish.
Susquehanna River at Danville, PA
Is the Susquehanna fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Wapwallopen Creek near Wapwallopen, PA10.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 01538000
- Fishing Creek near Bloomsburg, PA19.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 01539000
- Schuylkill River at Landingville, PA19.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 01468500
- Lehigh River at Lehighton, PA23.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 01449000
- Lehigh R below Francis E Walter Res near White Haven, PA24.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 01447800
- Pohopoco Cr below Beltzville Dam near Parryville, PA26.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 01449800
- Fishing Creek at Grassmere Park, PA27.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 01538720
- Schuylkill River at Berne, PA28.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 01470500
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
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6 other species
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Upper Susquehanna watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 12 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Susquehanna
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Watch the river level
The Harrisburg gage is the number most local anglers watch. High water makes wading dangerous.
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Float from Sunbury
Longer floats between Sunbury and Harrisburg cover a lot of smallmouth water.
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Fish crayfish patterns
Smallmouth eat crayfish all year. A crawfish pattern is a safe starting point.
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Wade with a buddy
The river is wide and the current can be strong. Wear a wading belt.
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Use the app for access
The FlyFishFinder app maps public access points and live gages along the Susquehanna so you can plan a float.
Every access point on the Susquehanna, in your pocket.
- 191 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Susquehanna
Susquehanna River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania?
Spring is a well known season. Smallmouth are active as the water warms.
Where can I fish the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has well known smallmouth water. Many anglers float the stretch from Sunbury toward Harrisburg.
Can you wade the Susquehanna River?
Yes in many places, but the river is wide and can be dangerous at high water. Check the river level first.
What flies work on the Susquehanna River?
Crawfish patterns, Dungeons and poppers are classics for smallmouth. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is working today.
What fish are in the Susquehanna River?
Smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, common carp, channel catfish and many others.
Are there special rules on the Susquehanna River?
Rules vary by section and species. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations.
