Susquehanna River

I've been driving Hwy 15, north of Harrisburg, a lot the last 3 years and have always wondered how the crappie fishing is in the river. Anybody doing any good there?

There is not a fishable population of crappies in river. Smallmouth, Walleye, Channel Cats, and Musky are the main gamefish

Thanks for the report. Sure a pretty area.

There is a pan fish tournament on the Susky this year which I believe is at Williamsport. Checking out the prospects, I understand the pan fishing is good in the area, including crappie. See Events
Pop

Great looking area Williamsport! How deep's the river there?

There are areas of the river that do have some good crappie fishing in the spring. One are is at Long Level near the marina. Others are the warm water plant a little further north. It is a real hit or miss but decent catches have been made in the past.

There are a couple of interesting looking lakes further up 15 just about to the NY border. What kind of fisheries are they?

Hammond Lake is north on Route 15. State record crappie is from this lake. Pop

Thanks I'll look it up. That's some beautiful country.

I live along the Susquehanna north of harrisburg. DWAW - u probably drive past my place every time you are on that stretch of river. It is unusual to get crappies on my stretch of river. There are hydro dams further downstream which are supposed to have good pan fish populations. Can't say as I ever fished them.

Smallmouth fishing is good up here but it's changing. More catfish and fewer bass in recent years. Still good bass fishing, just not as good. The flathead cats have arrived up here. Fun to catch, but it's probably not good that they are here.

Thanks Flyboy, that whole stretch north of H'burg to the border is a nice drive. With all the jagged rocks sticking up it looks like you better know your way around that river.

It is a tough river to navigate. Not so bad this time of year but july/ august can be tough. We often go out in a boat until it gets too shallow, then we get out and wade.

Looks like a pretty good river for ducks

I've read a study published in In-Fisherman in the past that crappies have problems handling much current during the winter when their metabolism is low. This is probably why you won't find many of them on the river except where the river is dammed and the pools are deeper and slower allowing them places to winter. They just aren't the dominant fish species in there when compared to bass, catfish, and walleye.