Susquehanna River - Harrisburg - Pennsylvania
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg - Water Flow Chart
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg - Weather report & radar
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmer parts of day | #18-24 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges, Early Black Stones | Mid-afternoon | #18-20, #14-16 | Zebra Midges, Black Stoneflies |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Blue Winged Olive Emergers |
| April | Hendricksons, Caddis | Mid-afternoon, Evening | #12-14, #14-18 | Hendrickson Dry, Elk Hair Caddis |
| May | Caddis, Sulphurs, Green Drakes, Brown Drakes | Afternoon, Dusk | #14-18, #12-14, #10-12, #10-12 | Caddis Pupa, Sulphur Dun, Green Drake Dun, Brown Drake Emerger |
| June | Sulphurs, Slate Drakes, Light Cahills | Dusk | #14-16, #12-14, #14-16 | Sulphur Parachute, Slate Drake Cripple, Light Cahill Dry |
| July | Terrestrials, Tricos | Early Morning, Hot Days | #20-24, #10-12 | Ant Patterns, Trico Spinner |
| August | Terrestrials, Tricos | Early Morning, Hot Days | #20-24, #10-12 | Beetle Patterns, Trico Parachute |
| September | Terrestrials, Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22, #10-12 | Grasshopper Patterns, Blue Winged Olive Dun |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, October Caddis | Afternoon | #18-22, #8-10 | Blue Winged Olive Cripple, October Caddis Pupa |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Blue Winged Olive Spinner |
| December | Midges | Warmer parts of day | #18-24 | Zebra Midges, Ice Cream Cone |
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg Access Points
If you’re planning to fly fish in the Susquehanna River around Harrisburg, some of the best access points include:
- City Island: This sports complex has plenty of parking and easy access to river spots.
- Front Street Boat Ramp: This access point is located in Riverfront Park. It’s a public boat ramp making it very accessible for fishermen.
- Fort Hunter Park: Five miles north of the city, it’s renowned for smallmouth bass fishing.
- Wildwood Lake: Part of the floodplain of the Susquehanna River, this park is home to a variety of fish especially great for fly fishing.
- Gold Star Park: Close to Harrisburg’s downtown, it offers easy river access for shore fishing.
Each of these spots can provide a different fishing experience, and all are easily accessible within the Harrisburg area.
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg Fishing Spots
Fly fishing on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg brings plenty of satisfying catches. Some ideal spots include:
- City Island: Accessible via a causeway, this island provides expansive shoreline close to several fish species.
- Fort Hunter: Situated upriver at the mouth of Fishing Creek, Fort Hunter’s gravel banks and nurseries are great for catching smallmouth bass and catfish.
- Wildwood Park: This park contains a large lake rich with panfish, making it an ideal spot for fly fishing.
- Duncannon: The scenic rocks and ledges are a fantastic spot for catching bass and other fish species.
- Middletown: Presented with a confluence of Swatara Creek and Susquehanna River, this spot offers great diversity of fish.
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg Local Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass: One of the most popular species for fly fishing in this area due to its abundant population and aggressive feeding habits.
- Carp: A challenging species to catch on a fly rod, adding a thrill to the sport. Carp in the Susquehanna River can grow to an impressive size.
- Northern Pike: Known for their voracious appetite and spectacular fights, making them a popular target amongst fly anglers.
- Muskellunge (Muskie): The largest species of pike, and is a prized catch amongst fly anglers due to their size and strength.
- Walleye: A highly prized species in the Susquehanna due to their elusiveness and the incredible taste of their white, flaky meat.
- White Catfish: Targeted by many fly fishers due to their strong fight and impressive size, especially in the nighttime.
- Striped Bass: This species migrates through the Susquehanna River and is known to put up a great fight, making it a popular choice for fly anglers.
- Channel Catfish: A species known for their size and strength, making them a favorite target for many anglers.
About the Susquehanna River – Harrisburg
Ah! The Susquehanna River – a historical gem if there ever was one. Snaking its way through the beautiful city of Harrisburg, this river is more than just a pretty sight – it’s a window into the past!
Historically, the Susquehanna was a critical travel and trade route for Native American tribes. Later, during the Industrial Revolution, it turned into a bustling lifeline for coal transportation. Fast forward a few decades and the river is now an inviting place for recreational activities.
- Native American link: Iroquoian-speaking Susquehannocks were the first inhabitants, earning the river its name, which means ‘Mile Wide, Foot Deep’. Isn’t that intriguing?
- Industrial Revolution: The river played crucial role in transporting anthracite coal and timber.
- Today: It’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other scenic river activities. A perfect blend of history and nature!
Over time, the Susquehanna River has evolved, just like Harrisburg itself, but its rich history continues to flow within its currents.
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