How to Fish the North Branch Susquehanna River (Seasonal Smallmouth Guide)
If you're trying to figure out how to consistently catch smallmouth bass on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, the key is understanding how fish move and behave throughout the year.
This guide breaks down exactly how I approach this river system based on years of fishing and guiding in Northeast Pennsylvania.
About the North Branch Susquehanna River
The North Branch of the Susquehanna runs from Tunkhannock through Wilkes-Barre and offers some of the best smallmouth fishing in Pennsylvania.
- Less pressure than the main stem
- Narrower and more manageable water
- Higher fish numbers (with slightly smaller average size)
This is a river system where understanding current, bottom composition, and seasonal movement matters more than electronics.
How to Find Smallmouth Bass in Rivers
If you keep this simple, you’ll catch more fish.
- Bottom composition is everything – rock, gravel, and boulders are key
- Depth: most fish are in 2–12 feet of water
- Water temperature drives behavior
- Flow matters – adjust based on conditions
Avoid muddy or soft bottom areas whenever possible—hard bottom is where smallmouth live.
Early Spring Smallmouth Fishing (March – Early April)
Water Temps: 40–50°F
Fish are slow and holding near wintering areas. Focus on slow, protected water with rocky bottoms.
Where to Fish
- Rocky pools
- Steep banks
- Slow current seams
What to Throw
- Sled jigs
- Rubber jigs
- Pill heads
- Ned rigs
- Jerkbaits
This is a bottom-dragging bite—slow everything down and keep contact with the bottom.
Pre-Spawn / Spawn (Late April – May)
Water Temps: Mid 50s
Fish begin transitioning toward spawning areas and will stage in slower water near islands and current breaks.
Where to Fish
- Transition zones
- Island edges
- Protected water near spawning flats
What to Throw
- Sled jigs
- Rubber jigs
- Crankbaits
- Swimbaits
This is one of the best times of year to target bigger fish.
Summer Smallmouth Fishing (June – Early September)
Water Temps: 70+°F
Fish move into fast, oxygenated water and become more aggressive.
Where to Fish
- Current seams
- Boulder fields
- Choppy, fast-moving water
What to Throw
- Sled jigs (swimming)
- Topwater baits
- Spinnerbaits
- Crankbaits
This is when you can fish fast and cover water.
Fall Smallmouth Fishing (Late September – November)
Fall fishing mirrors spring patterns. Fish move back to slower water and structure.
What to Throw
- Sled jigs
- Ned rigs
- Jerkbaits
This is one of the most consistent times of year to catch fish.
Winter Smallmouth Fishing (December – March)
Fish hold in deep, slow water and require slow presentations.
What to Throw
- Sled jigs
- Hair jigs
- Blade baits
Slow down and focus on dragging or deadsticking your bait.
Final Thoughts
If you focus on bottom composition, current, and seasonal movement, you can consistently catch smallmouth on the Susquehanna.