The Susky has been know for years as one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the East. It has had it's share of trials for the past few years but we are confident that the Susquehanna River will continue to provide the quality smallmouth fishing that we've come to know and love about this river. This section of the river is about a mile wide and the fishing and scenery can make you forget that you were flyfishing in Pennsylvania. Like the Lehigh River, after floating it with us you'll look at it much differently the next time you drive over it.

When the hatches are not occurring we fish streamers and large nymph and crayfish patterns to entice the big, wary bronzebacks out of their hiding places. One things for sure in the Susky, there's always a hatch to match. Smallmouth in excess of 20" are present in the Susquehanna with the average fish being 12"-14" there are plenty of opportunites to see your backing, however given the staggering amount of structure in the river we do not recommended to allowing fish to run unnecessarily.

The river is fairly shallow and long cast can be productive to cover more water so sinking lines are a matter of preference but are often unnecessary. Drift boat fishing on our stretch of the Susky revolves around the level as indicated at the Harrisburg USGS Gauge, above 4' is too high usually resulting in very off color water, 3.5' - 3.7' is perfect providing a steady drift but not too fast, 3.4'-3.2' is low, and anything lower is too low to drift effectively. Wade fishing is safe in most of the Duncannon to Marysville stretch when the water is below 3.25', however cautious wading is recommended. A few simple rules for wading this or any river is if you are uncomfortable wading in a certain area or if you are having trouble seeing the bottom stop and wade to a safer more comfortable location.

Lehigh Gap Outfitters is the guide service of Rivers and guiding fly anglers is what we do. Our competent, courteous guides will help you to make the most of your day on the Susky whether you have chosen a full day or half day of wade or float fishing. Our passion for all things fly fishing led us to the Susquehanna years ago in our search for a fishery to keep us busy when the Lehigh is too hot and low. This river has rewarded us and our clients with consistent and amazing smallmouth fishing.

Between our seven available drift boats and catarafts, experienced full-time guides, custom tied fly patterns, first class shore lunches, and reputation for being the best guide service in the area it's no wonder that so many of our clients return season after season hopes of bigger fish, thicker hatches, and the comfort of knowing that Lehigh Gap Outfitters is their guide service.

Drift boat fishing is unfamiliar territory for many East Coast anglers but it is a great method for fishing the Susquehanna River which happens to be one of the best smallmouth bash fisheries around. On a typical trip you'll cover about 10 miles of river in about 9 hours with more structure then even experienced anglers know what to do with. Like the Lehigh, if it "looks like there should be a fish there", there probably is. Smallmouth fishing on this river is a great way for novice anglers to get their feet wet in drift boat fishing while spending a rewarding, productive day on the water. Susquehanna floats can be combined with a day of float or wade fishing on one of the areas many fine trout waters for an awesome two day package.

Report Date: 9/4/2006 Water Temp: -- Water Conditions: High Harrisburg: 7.47' @ 86000 CFS Report: The Suskie has dissappointed us once again this year. We had plenty of small fish which is encouraging for the future but finding large fish was flat out work. We have ceased trips again for the year. Patterns: Clouser Minnows, Clouser Crayfish, Buggers, TS Crayfish Admin Log in to Edit Report

We can provide quality Orvis tackle for your float trip if necessary. We do not charge ridiculous rental fees for tackle but we do ask that you give us a good heads up so that we can make arrangenments.

Rods
6wt to 8wt rods of 8.5' or longer are recommended. An Orvis TLS 10' 7wt is a real staff favorite and matched up with a Long Belly Wonderline makes an excellent heavy rod for Lehigh River floats as well as being a perfect rod for Erie Steelhead.

Reels
Reels should be appropriately sized to allow for 150-200yds of backing. Runs into the backing are not that common on the Susquehanna but we have had fish take us into the backing on occasion and we've had plenty of fish on bigger than the ones that did. Reels should also have a good smooth drag system capable of applying good drag pressure.

Lines
Floating - Most fishing situations on the river call for a floating line which when properly cleaned and/or dressed allow for easier mending and are also easier to pick up and cast.

Sinking - Sinking lines have their uses, especially for trying to dredge pigs up in deeper pools and runs but they will be a hassle in most of the river. A more practical rig uses mini sink tips which can be removed and replaced more easily and when combined with a split shot or two are a more flexible way to fish the whole river.

Leaders & Tippet
Susky bronzebacks are as big as they come and the flies we pitch out to them are equally large. 1x or 2x leaders help to turn over large flies and are absolutely necessary when it's windy. Nylon tippets are used more than Fluorocarbon, but the higher abrasion resistance of Flouro makes it ideal for nymphing and streamer fishing especially with the tendency of these fish to find any available cover. We will always recommend using the heaviest tippet possible given the conditions to increase your chances of landing these strong fish. Leaders of 7.5' to 10' are the most useful lengths.

The Other Stuff
Licenses are available for purchase from your guide, please advise us what kind license and what quantity you'll need. Breathable waders are optional. We usually wet wade for most of the season on the river. UNSTUDDED wading shoes with plain felts are required for drift boat trips, we will use a floor mat for anglers who show up with studs to help the angler from sliding around the boat but the best footing is with wading shoes with plain felts. Studded boots are recommended for wade trips. Raingear is recommended and a comfortable rain jacket can make a rainy day much more bearable. A wading staff is helpful if a wading opportunity presents itself. You are welcome to bring your own camera and all LGO guides carry digital cameras with them. Sunscreen and insect repellant are highly recommended.

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FROM PHILADELPHIA AREA

* Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 West) to I-83 North (Exit 247).
* Take I-83 North to I-81 South (Exit 70).
* Cross the Susquehanna River on I-81 South.
* Take the first exit at the western end of the I-81 bridge (North Enola Road)
* Exit onto US Routes 11/15 North.
* Travel approximately 3 miles north on US 11/15 North until you come to Blue Mountain Outfitters on the right.
* Meet your guide at the southern end of the Blue Mountain Outfitters parking lot.

FROM LEHIGH VALLEY AREA

* Enter either Route US-22 West or I-78 West to the merger of the two highways.
* Continue west on I-78/US-22 to interstate I-81 South.
* Continue west on I-81 to the Susquehanna River.
* Cross the Susquehanna River on I-81 South.
* Take the first exit at the western end of the I-81 bridge (Exit 65, North Enola Road) onto US Routes 11/15 North.
* Travel approximately 3 miles north on US 11/15 North until you come to Blue Mountain Outfitters on the right.
* Meet your guide at the southern end of the Blue Mountain Outfitters parking lot.



FROM SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE AREA

* Take I-81 South.
* Continue west on I-81 to the Susquehanna River.
* Cross the Susquehanna River on I-81 South.
* Take the first exit at the western end of the I-81 bridge (Exit 65, North Enola Road) onto US Routes 11/15 North.
* Travel approximately 3 miles north on US 11/15 North until you come to Blue Mountain Outfitters on the right.
* Meet your guide at the southern end of the Blue Mountain Outfitters parking lot.



FROM NEW YORK CITY AREA

* Take Interstate I-78 West to it’s junction with Interstate I-81 South.
* Continue west on I-81 to the Susquehanna River.
* Cross the Susquehanna River on I-81 South.
* Take the first exit at the western end of the I-81 bridge (Exit 65, North Enola Road) onto US Routes 11/15 North.
* Travel approximately 3 miles north on US 11/15 North until you come to Blue Mountain Outfitters on the right.
* Meet your guide at the southern end of the Blue Mountain Outfitters parking lot.



FROM WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

* Take US Route 1 West to SR 896.
* Bear right on SR 896 (Newark Road) ramp.
* Continue straight on SR 372 (SR 896/Georgetown Road).
* Continue straight on SR 741 (E. Main Street).
* Turn right onto SR 896 (N. Decatur Street).
* Turn left onto US 30 East (Lincoln Highway East).
* Bear right onto the US 30 ramp.
* Bear right onto I-83 North ramp (Exit 3).
* Bear right on the I-83 ramp.
* Go straight onto I-81 South ramp (Exit 51).
* Cross the Susquehanna River on I-81 South.
* Take the first exit at the western end of the I-81 bridge (Exit 65, North Enola Road) onto US Routes 11/15 North.
* Travel approximately 3 miles north on US 11/15 North until you come to Blue Mountain Outfitters on the right.
* Meet your guide at the southern end of the Blue Mountain Outfitters parking lot.



FROM BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

* Take I-83 North to the Maryland/Pennsylvania state border.
* Continue north on I-83 to the South 13th Street ramp (Exit 44).
* Bear and turn right onto the South 13th Street ramp (Exit 44).
* Turn left onto Paxton Street West.
* Continue west on Paxton Street to Cameron Street (SR 230).
* Turn right onto Cameron Street (SR 230) to US 22 North.
* Bear right on US 22 North to I-81 South.
* Bear left onto I-81 South ramp (Exit 51).
* Continue straight on I-81 South ramp to cross the Susquehanna River.
* Take the first exit at the western end of the I-81 bridge (Exit 65, North Enola Road) onto US Routes 11/15 North.
* Travel approximately 3 miles north on US 11/15 North until you come to Blue Mountain Outfitters on the right.
* Meet your guide at the southern end of the Blue Mountain Outfitters parking lot.

MOTEL	ADDRESS	TELEPHONE	LOCATION
Days Inn - North	3919 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110	717-233-3100 Fax: 717-233-6415	I-81, Exit 66 at Front Street
Super 8 Motel - North	4125 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 1711	717-233-5891 Fax: 717-233-5892	I-81, Exit 66, 0.8 mile north
Best Western Capital Plaza	150 Nationwide Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110	717-545-9089 Fax: 717-545-7926	I-81, Exit 69
Red Roof Inn - North	400 Corporate Circle, Harrisburg, PA 17110	717-657-1445 Fax: 717-657-2775	I-81, Exit 69, just north on Progress Avenue

Blue Mountain Outfitters - Canoe & Kayak sales rentals and equipment.

USGS - Realtime streamflow data.