Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
The Susquehanna River is one of the finest smallmouth rivers in the eastern US.
Smallmouth fishing on the Susquehanna has recovered well after ecological challenges.
Lake Erie tributaries and the bay at Presque Isle hold quality smallmouth.
Wading the Susquehanna with tubes and crankbaits is a quintessential PA fishing experience.
Best Waters in Pennsylvania
- Susquehanna River — Premier smallmouth river with hundreds of miles of wadeable water from Sunbury to the Maryland line.
- Juniata River — Beautiful central PA river with quality smallmouth in pools and riffles.
- Delaware River — Border river with New Jersey offering excellent smallmouth fishing in the upper section.
- Presque Isle Bay — Lake Erie bay with smallmouth on rock structure and gravel beds.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- River wading
- Tube jig
- Crankbait
- Topwater
- Ned rig
Baits & Lures
- Crayfish-colored tube
- Rebel Craw crankbait
- Heddon Tiny Torpedo
- Z-Man TRD
- Yamamoto Senko
Seasonal Guide for Pennsylvania
SpringSpring Fishing
Smallmouth season opens mid-June. Catch-and-release in spring targets pre-spawn fish on river flats.
SummerSummer Fishing
Peak season. Topwater fishing at dawn on the Susquehanna is legendary. Tubes and crankbaits mid-day.
FallFall Fishing
Excellent fishing as smallmouth feed in current seams and along rocky banks.
WinterWinter Fishing
River smallmouth go dormant in deep pools. Lake Erie smallmouth remain catchable with slow jigs.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Pennsylvania Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for smallmouth bass in Pennsylvania are not listed in our database. Please check the official Pennsylvania regulations for current rules.