Susquehanna River Smallmouth Fishing When the River is Too Low and Clear

#susquehannariver #smallmouthbass #bassfishing Early Fall on the Susquehanna River can be a real challenge when the water level drops. I tried my best at City Island, but I just couldn't get to very many fish. So, I packed up and headed south to Conowingo Reservoir. I had much better luck there!

[@emmettfitzhume7424]

So because of you I went and tried City Island. I was there that day and it felt like 100's . Thanks for giving me the confidence to try that area.That was the best day of Smallmouth fishing I have ever had. That day I caught 15 Smallmouths none under 2lbs. the Average was to 2 1/2 caught six over three and one that went 4 pounds. They were destroying crankbaits. Went back two days later and the grass floating down river made it impossible. Thanks for the great info can't wait till your next video.

[@GillRaker79]

Dude that is amazing to hear! I’m glad I could help. Seriously that’s like the best thing I could possibly hear. Six over 3 pounds and a 4??! That’s nuts man! Congrats 🎉 Now I’m all pumped up and wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow lol. If you have fb or Instagram hit me up. I’d really like to see some pics of those fish if you took any. Thanks for telling me btw

[@TheFishingMommy]

Looks like a perfect situation for a great kayak!

[@GillRaker79]

It definitely is! In fact, it was one of the trips that inspired me to get the kayak I just got.

[@TheFishingMommy]

@@GillRaker79 awesome, congrats!! What did you get? (I’m new here)

[@TravelnFish]

Enjoy the vid as usual man! 👍👍 The dam definitely seems like a good spot that holds fish. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like catfish have become much more aggressive chasing artificial baits.

[@GillRaker79]

Thanks man! Yeah the catfish have been very aggressive the past couple years. Used to be I’d only catch maybe one or two a year on lures

[@guyfoscone3193]

Wingo is awesome, only negative is launching up top when its low. Its been low last few months. You need to get an Ultrex with spot lock...its whole new world! Good Stuff Jamie 🙌

[@GillRaker79]

Thanks man!! Yes, definitely need the ultrex! It’s literally a safety issue at this point in some of the spots I fish. And yeah the launching sucks up there. Thought I broke my trailer that day. Also they suck even on normal days due to how steep they are. Front will latch in and the rear will swing over the side rails.

[@guyfoscone3193]

@GillRaker79 I had to take front plate off TM mount...it would hit when ramp is steep. Spot lock set up right will hold you steady all day. It's way safer! Good luck next time out...I'm hitting Long Level end of week.

[@GillRaker79]

Whoa that’s intense! My bump stop ripped right off when the tip of my bow fell straight down on the launch. Had to MacGuyver it back on lol. Definitely taking your advice on the spot Lock when I get that in my budget. Good luck at long level! Never tried there myself.

[@Muddywaterlures717]

Summertime City island and north gets extremely low and pretty much impossible without a jet boat. They also lowered the water level at goldsboro to work on the dam.

[@GillRaker79]

Ok that makes sense. I was at Goldsboro the other day and it was really hard to get around

[@CruzN4Fish]

Smallmouth is my favorite fish to chase. I am a fan of your channel. Would you willing to share what ramp you launch from?

[@GillRaker79]

My favorite too! That’s why I drive 1 1/2 hours every week to chase them! Totally worth it. Yep, I launched at city island ramp in Harrisburg and Dorsey run park and muddy creek ramp at Conowingo. DM me on Instagram if you need more info, I’d be happy to help. @gillraker79

[@loudoggfishin9185]

Love it bro !!! You up in PA ??? I always wondered if I could get my jon boat up there.

[@GillRaker79]

Thanks man! I’m just northeast of Baltimore, but I drive up to pa about once a week to chase these smallies. Dude if you can make it past the route 40 bridge on the gunpowder, you’ll be fine up in Harrisburg! Just go slow the first time and maybe wait til the water level is back to normal

[@loudoggfishin9185]

@GillRaker79 oh ok cool. Yea. I need to get up there for sure. The upper Potomac is sweet too.

[@GillRaker79]

@loudoggfishin9185 yeah you definitely should! Keep an eye on the water level online. Wait till it’s about 4.5 feet at Harrisburg. Yeah I saw you and Cliff slaying them on the upper Potomac in your video! So awesome.

[@brendanlee8287]

great video, what ramp did you use. I mainly fish the northern branch but would love to venture down that way

[@GillRaker79]

Thanks man! I use Dorsey run and muddy creek. But I gotta warn you both those ramps suck. Both are really steep and right now since the water is low, the ramps are worse. Check out the other comment on here. Another guy was complaining about it. I gotta check out peach bottom. I think the ramp there is better

[@brendanlee8287]

@@GillRaker79 ok thanks for the heads up