Susquehanna River - York County 9-16-2014

[JakesLeakyWaders]

So today I decided to dig the 7 weight out and head down the old Susky with some chest waders to test her out.

I hadn't fished the river much in the past several years, mostly because fishing has been dismal for the past decade on the once great Susquehanna River. But today just seemed like the perfect fall day to get out and fish ( it ended up been windy as hell).

The water was very low and I waded far out into mid river, carefully negotiating riffles and ledges. The river is about one mile wide here with scattered islands and weed beds and barely submerged islands with grasses.

I searched for slow deep rocky areas in between rock shelves and strong deep channels. Caught seven smallies on a hand tied clouser style olive bugger. Had a good time, although wading back became tricky as the sun had hidden behind some clouds making it difficult to see where the holes were. I could have damn near waded to Lancaster, but I know it gets deep over there.

I cannot remember the last time I caught more than a half dozen bass on the river in one outing. They were all varying sizes which I guess is a good sign. Anyway it was a good day fishing the rock shelves, but before I go let me take a shelfie.

 

[Fishidiot]

Great to see another report of decent bass fishing on the lower Susky. Is this a growing trend? I'd like to believe so...and PFBC survey results also back up the narrative of a (slowly) improving picture with bass in that section. Let's hope this keeps up. Still a long way to go, but I'm optimistic.

(This thread will be moved to the Reports forum shortly)

 

[JakesLeakyWaders]

I actually wanted edit my post but I must have waited too long. Kinda just threw this report up while I was sitting at McDonalds. I have an app on my phone to downsize / edit photos so I figured I'd post it right away.

I wanted to add that while I actually only caught seven bass I had at least twice as many strikes. I think bei g used to a #5 weight for bass as opposed to a #7 might account for some missed strikes. Seems like the extra stiffness throws my hookset off.

I also usually dont count fish, but after #4 I thought you know, I dont usually catch 4 bass out here in a short period of time. The bass were very active and scrappy fighters too. I figure the cold weather snap might have something to do with it. Bass seemed to strike after a good long dead drift and some long steady strips.

Now, I have been spin fishing for small mouth most of the summer. Most of the good deep cuts and that deep green water that I could see through my polarized lenses was out of reach with a fly rod, especially considering the wind. If it doesn't rain much in the next weeks I'd like to to the extra time to wade that extra couple hundred yards out to those sweet hard to get to spots and reach out with a spinning rod as well. I have to say though, nothing beats the fight you get from a smallie while holding a fly rod.

Overall I had a great day, the trip into this spot requires some off roading, actually driving across a river channel to an island and up a rutted jeep trail. Saw two eagle flying around and then swoop up and perch in a tree.

 

[JakesLeakyWaders]

Just to show for anyone who hasn't fished the lower Susquehanna. To get out to mid river it requires carefully negotiating hu dreds of yards of rapids and fast water along with some island hopping. Mostly the only way out is to walk above a riffle like these. Trying to walk along a rock shelf however may get you into trouble as they drop off I to deep water and some of the ledges are jagged.

 

[Fishidiot]

I like my Korkers and wading staff in that area.