Fall For The Susky

By: Will Whitehead – Pro-Staff Director

There are no BAD days to be fishing on the Susquehanna River, some are just BETTER than others. Of course, when the water is ten feet or so above normal and muddy, THAT would be considered a BAD day to be on the river. But almost any other time can be, and often is, a PERFECT day to be on the water. Such was October 7th of this year! I met up at the launch ramp with Rod Bates from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Tyler Manning from Harrisburg. With me was Len Campbell of Hagerstown, Maryland. Rod operates “Koinania Guide Service” (that’s Greek for “Fellowship”) one of the premier operations on the river and someone I highly recommend as a top notch guide and good Christian gentleman. Tyler is one of his best guides and one of the more knowledgeable anglers on the river. Len is a good friend, a real gentleman, and a GREAT net-man, who is preparing to retire from the insurance business and is eager for knowledgeable instruction and experience in his pursuit of piscatorial pleasures. Why he wants to hang out with this crew is beyond me? I asked Rod and Tyler to meet me at this particular ramp, because I had been doing a little exploring into parts of the river I had not fished before and had located an area “chock full” of BIG “Smallies”. Ohhhh… How skeptical they were!

There is something magical about the fall transition period on the Susquehanna River. When the water temperature falls into the forty degree range and Mother Nature’s paint brush begins turning the green leaves of summer into crimson, yellow and gold pallets of incredible fall beauty. The bass are fat and sassy this time of year! They tend to “School” and gorge themselves on minnows, crawfish, and shad, putting on body fat for the long cold winter months ahead. Their power, strength and tenacity seem to increase with each passing day. This was to be one of those days!

Heavy, dense fog blanketed the river as we arrived at the launching ramp and 35 degree air temperatures promised a chilly ride up the river. We were forced to delay our scheduled departure time until we could see a safe distance ahead of the boat. We finally launched our boat and idled up the river for approximately 300 yards where I knew a shallow grass bed, located fifty feet or so off shore, created a deep eddy channel between it and the shoreline. I tied on a gold plated 3/8 oz. “War Eagle” spinnerbait, with double gold willow leaf blades and a white shirt. On the third cast of the morning I uttered those three little words I LOVE to hear… “Get the net!” as a scrappy 18 ½ inch “Smallie” broke the surface, its golden bronze sides glistening in the morning light. After several jumps and a most enjoyable battle, Len slid the net under the bronze beauty and we hoisted her aboard. After a couple of quick photos for posterity, I gently gave her a little kiss on the head and released her back into the cool water. Rod and Tyler worked the far shoreline and the nearby bridge piers. Rob soon began calling Tyler “BF Manning” since he was catching all of the “BIG FISH” in their boat. Fortunately for Tyler, Rod IS a good and well experienced “net man”. We fished that area for an hour or so and boated four more nice bass, one of 19 inches and slightly over three pounds.

It was time to make the big run up the river to one of my “Secret” honey holes. It was approximately a 15 mile run and with the air temperature now hovering around 38 degrees, it was going to be a brisk experience. We suited up in gloves, hoods, heavy coats and goggles and I fired up the 90hp Johnson jet. I was right! It was BRISK! Dodging the rocks and rapids, we arrived at our destination some 30 minutes and several shivers later.

Life and fishing are both full of disappointments, and this was one of them. They must have been releasing a LOT of water from the dam, some 4 miles above my “Spot”. Though fairly clear, the water was higher than it should have been and the current was unbelievably swift. We tried to fish the area, but could not even hold the boat with the big 24V Minn Kota. Rod and Tyler started working downstream from there and I motored up the river another mile or so, knowing of a long gravel bar that jutted out into the river for about 50 yards, and provided a large eddy pocket of calm water along the east shore. Len and I fished that area for a little while without success, but I knew there had to be fish somewhere along that bar. I switched from the white “War Eagle” to a Cabin Creek “Critter Getter” tube in Green Pumpkin with Purple Flake. First cast onto the bar and I felt that unmistakable “tic” through the ultra-sensitive St. Croix jig stick. I wound down and buried the hook home. I immediately knew it was a nice fish! I think the line, cutting through the water, making that special “humming” sound I LOVE to hear, was a dead giveaway. After several heart-pounding jumps and a determined battle from the bronze beauty, Len slid the net under the fat lady. She measured 18 ½ inches and weighed 3 pounds on the nose. Len snapped a couple of pictures and I slid her into the livewell for show and tell with Rod and Tyler and a later release.

We started hop scotching down the river, looking for likely “bass holding” spots, stopping to cast spinnerbaits, crankbaits and Cabin Creek tubes around logs, brush, bridge piers and into eddy pockets. A few nice 16in to 18in bass later we met up with Rod and Tyler and compared catches. They had four bass in the livewell, ranging in size from 3lbs. up to over four. We shot some video, snapped a few photos and released our bronze prizes. We split up again and worked different areas as we worked our way south. A short time later, while approaching the head of a small island, I noticed an occasional “swirl” on the surface, the telltale sign of a feeding bass. When I approached within casting range, I dropped the gold “War Eagle” below the location of the last swirl and made about two cranks on the handle before a 19in, pot-bellied hawg nailed it. These hardy river “Smallies” put on quite a show and fierce battle this time of year, and this one was no exception. She gave me my monies worth for sure! Again, my net-man, Len, was on the job and we both commented on the beauty and condition of this chunky, fat battler, as I lifted her from the net. She weighed in at 3lbs. 2oz. and was gently released after a well deserved photo op and gentle kiss on the forehead. The reverence and esteem I hold for these beautiful fish is surpassed only by my love of catching them and my joy of releasing them, to be caught another day, by myself of some other lucky angler.

The cell phone beeped for about the tenth time that day, as Rod called. We keep each other well informed of what the other is doing when we are “tag-teeming” an area like this. He reported that he had just had the largest smallmouth he had ever seen, follow his spinnerbait from a bridge piling. He gave me the location of the pier and noted that the current in the area was pretty swift. I immediately cut off four feet of line and re-tied the “War Eagle”. When I reached the pier, the current was too strong for the Minn-Kota to hold the boat, so I idled up to it with the jet drive and let Len take several shots at it with a tube and spinnerbait, to no avail. BUT… I KNOW where she lives!

Len and I drifted down the east shore from there and picked up a couple more nice fish on spinnerbaits and tubes. Passing a small island I noticed a long sand bar coming off the foot of the island and extending about 30 yards, gradually tapering down into about 8 feet of water. Heavy grass grew along the top and sides of the bar and I commented to Len… “If I were a “Hawg”… I’d be livin’ right here”! I keep a Cabin Creek, 5 ¼ inch, Green Pumpkin “Salty Sinkin’ Worm”, rigged “Wacky”, near by for just such occasions. I tossed it up onto the bar and let the current wash it along. Just as it passed the end of the bar, a fish SLAMMED it! As I set the hook, the rod arched and the line cut through the water and making that delightful “humming” sound one more time this day. The fish headed for the middle of the river, did a U-turn and shot under the boat. I kept the line tight and stuck the 7ft. St. Croix deep into the water. I dipped the rod and maneuvered the line around the trolling motor as the fish headed downstream. The fish started toward the surface three times, but never jumped, each time turning and diving for the bottom. I got one quick look at the “Hawg” and it was definitely the “Top Trophy” of the day, a fish of at least 5lbs. She made another dive under the boat, and suddenly came un-buttoned. My heart sank, but it wasn’t the first biggin’ I had ever lost and surely won’t be the last. I only regretted that I couldn’t get a photo of her and allow Len to see and hold her. Aw well… A quick release is better than no bite at all. TOMORROW is another day!

We fished until late afternoon, when Rod and Tyler needed to pull their boat and head home to take care of business commitments, and Len and I needed to head back down the road before rush-hour. The box score for the day went something like this……

River Level and Condition…… Cloudy to murky… 4.3 feet and falling
Weather Conditions…… Sunny to partly cloudy… Cold w/high of 56… 3rd day of stable conditions
Time Fished…… 9:30am Til 4:00pm
Total Bass Boated……… 29
Hooked and Lost Fish…… 11
Total 18in. plus Bass over 2 lbs…… 9
Total 19in. plus Bass over 3 lbs…… 6
Top Lure Choices… #1-Spinnerbaits… #2 Critter Getter Tubes… #3 Salty Sinkin’ Worms… #4 Salty Spider Jigs, by “War Eagle” and “Cabin Creek Bait Company”.

All in all it was a spectacular day of fishing on our Susquehanna River. We had boated more big fish, in the 18 inch to 20 inch class, than any day I had experienced to this date. Sure, we have had lots of 150 to 200 fish days; those are not that uncommon on this river. But we had never boated, hooked, lost and seen so many BIG fish in one day.

So if your desire is to experience some of the BEST Smallmouth Bass fishing in the entire Northeastern United States, give the Susquehanna River a try on your next outing.

Susquehanna - TRIP CHECK

Where to Stay and Eat: There is nearly an unlimited choice of motels, hotels, cottages and camping facilities available for visitors to the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Selinsgrove, Middletown and other areas of the “Susky”. We highly recommend the following…

Golden Arrow Motel – Located in the Selinsgrove area, at 128 S. Susquehanna Trail, just behind an auto parts store. But well worth looking for! This is a GREAT little “Mom and Pop” type motel located just off the main drag. It features affordable rates, large rooms, parking for bass boats and nearby FOOD! Phone: 570 - 743 -1611 or 800 - 537 - 4380

River Front Campground – Located in Duncannon, PA, off of Rt. 322W. A great location on the river! Boat and Canoe rentals and the owners can transport you up the river for a float trip and bring your vehicle back to the campground. River fishin’ oriented!! Phone: 717- 834- 5252

Best Western Harrisburg – Just off I-81 at Progress Ave. exit, two miles north of the river. Reasonable rates but this is a multi-story hotel with very little room for boats or battery charging arrangement. Phone: 717 - 545 - 9089 or 800 - WESTERN ( 937- 8376 )

Super 8 Motel – Just off I-81 at 4125 North Front Street, right along the east shore. Reasonable rates and accommodations for boats if you request a ground-floor room on the backside of complex. MY CHOICE!! Phone: 800-800-8000

T-Bones – A GREAT new “Steak House” located off I-81 at the Progress Ave. Exit. Right next to the “Best Western” hotel. “Beef at its BEST”!

Doe and Jerry’s – BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Brisket and a WHOLE lot more, served up fast, hot and reasonably priced. Located on US15S, off of I-81 about 4 miles, between Enola and City Island. One of OUR FAVORITES!

Places to Check:Here is a list of businesses you may wish to contact for more detailed information, guidance and help…

B&B Tight Lines Marine – Most of the top “River Rats” and guides in the Harrisburg, PA, area hang out around here, located in Middletown, PA, at 2101 E. Harrisburg Pike. Exit from I-283 onto Toll House Road. Hang around here and you are bound to learn something. My good friend Jay Boettner is the owner and manger and is one of those TOP “Rats” (check out his biography in our “Pro Staff” section). This is also THE place to go if you develop boat or engine problems. PHONE: 717-944-2270

Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce – A complete source of hotel, motel, dining and other important information. PHONE: 717-255-3252 Web Site: www.visithhc.com

River Conditions – You can phone 1 - 888 - 881- 7555 to check the current river conditions, 24 hours a day… Seven days a week.

Recommended Guides:

Koinania Guide Service – “Koinania” means “Fellowship” and that, along with “First Class”, is exactly what you will have with Rod Bates or one of his guides. Rod and ALL of his guides are very knowledgeable and experienced river guides, and Rod is one of the most honest, reliable and patient men I know. His guide service is an EXCELLENT choice if you have children, an older family member or the entire family wants to have a good fishin’ day. He is super patient and will take the time to instruct you or the kids in the “ways of the river”. He also offers “wading” and “canoe or small boat” float trips on the “Susky”… Something that few area guides offer and a REAL exciting experience if you have never done this. He also runs one of the newest, well equipped, most powerful and fastest “Jet Boats” on the river. Give Rod a call! PHONE: 717-805-7082 (Cell) or 717-886-6172 (Pager) Web Site: Kionania Guide Service

Bass Fever Guide Service – Max McAllister spends more time on the river; knows more about catching fish, big fish, on the river; knows the when, where, and with what of every season and condition… and actually tries to TEACH you something about fishing the river, more so than ANY other guide in the area. Well equipped with the latest in “Jet Boat” equipment and technology, even a “boat ride” with Max is a real experience… Skimming along in three inches of water at 40mph! PHONE: 717-732-3194 Web Site: www.bassfeverguideservice.com

Tight Lines,
Will Whitehead
"Pro Staff" Director