Susquehanna River, Perry Co., 08/01/17

[Dave_W]

WEATHER: Blue bird skies, stable system, some big puffy clouds, 80-something. Fished from 11:30-2pm.

HATCHES/FORAGE: None

WATER: Dirty with visibility less than a foot. 74 degrees at 11:30am, 4.5' at the Harrisburg gage. Lots of dislodged grass. A couple boats out but almost no fishing pressure.

I've been eager to get out on the big river this summer but today was a tough day. The river was mud brown and the busted up grass made fishing tough. Although only 4.5' it seemed much higher and the lack of clarity made discerning river structure difficult. I had to work hard for a handful of bass that all took a black Clouser. To be sure, I was fishing mid day under blue skies and things might have been better had I been out earlier or later this evening.

If you're thinking about hitting the lower Susky this weekend, I think it should be in good shape, but at least for the middle of this week, things aren't ideal.

 

[Tups]

You're a brave man. I came across the bridge at Duncannon yesterday afternoon and the river was high and brown. I thought to myself no way would I wade that.

But thanks for the quality report.

 

[Ephemeroptera]

Try getting out in the evening starting between 6:30:7PM. Water levels have been quite high, but if you can find clear water (from tributaries), bass will be there seeking refuge. With the water dropping, bass will be returning to normal holding lies or holding in 1-1.5ft of water near island and riparian edges.

Whiteflies were still thick around the Haldeman Island area early last week. They seemed to be on the wane Thursday, however. So, I'm not sure of their status in the Harrisburg area following the rain. I saw them in spider webs at McKee's Falls yesterday (8/1), but they could have been remnants from a few days ago or even earlier. I'd be heading further up river to find clear water in the main stem originating from the West Branch (starting around Liverpool or even Buffalo Twp). Best of luck. Let the whitefly live on!

 

[Dave_W]

Ephemeroptera wrote:
Try getting out in the evening starting between 6:30:7PM. Water levels have been quite high, but if you can find clear water (from tributaries), bass will be there seeking refuge. With the water dropping, bass will be returning to normal holding lies or holding in 1-1.5ft of water near island and riparian edges.

Whiteflies were still thick around the Haldeman Island area early last week. They seemed to be on the wane Thursday, however. So, I'm not sure of their status in the Harrisburg area following the rain. I saw them in spider webs at McKee's Falls yesterday (8/1), but they could have been remnants from a few days ago or even earlier. I'd be heading further up river to find clear water in the main stem originating from the West Branch (starting around Liverpool or even Buffalo Twp). Best of luck. Let the whitefly live on!

Some good information! Thanks much. DW