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by Juan Veruete
Author, Juan Veruete, on the West Branch
The West Branch of the Susquehanna is many times overlooked as a fishing destination primarily due to the popularity of its other two brothers to the east and south – the fabled North Branch and the mighty main stem of the Susquehanna. Arguably, these two flowing waters may be among the top river smallmouth fishing destinations on the east coast. That being said, a 2008 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Survey of the lower West Branch revealed just how strong this fishery is. Electro fishing yielded 32 smallmouth bass per hour ranging from 4 inches to 20 inches. Walleye were also collected in good numbers ranging from 15 inches to a whopping 29 inches. As if that wasn't enough, bruiser sized muskellunge were also shocked during the survey. The biggest came in at 47 inches. I certainly wouldn't leave the West Branch off my short list of rivers to fish during the 2010 fishing season.
Upper West Branch of the Susquehanna
Invariably, when I'm talking smallmouth bass fishing with folks, I'll bring up the topic of fishing the upper West Branch. Most folks raise an eyebrow immediately and say "Does that river have fish?" True, the upper West Branch has gone through some tough times due primarily to acid mine drainage, but through the efforts of regulatory entities and the public it is making a comeback.
Towns like Currensville, Clearfield, Shawville, and Lock Haven sit along the banks of the upper West Branch. For the purpose of this article, we can consider everything above Lock Haven to be the upper West Branch. Fishing in the upper West Branch is a little spotty. There are still major sections of the upper river that are affected by acid mine drainage that hold very few game species, if any. On certain stretches of the upper West Branch, you can find good populations of smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and even a few trout in isolated areas.
The river resembles a classic smallmouth bass haven as it winds through the steep remote valleys of north central Pennsylvania. The river bottom is a combination of gravel, chunk rock, and boulders. The flow is characterized by deep riffle sections, runs, and long deep stretches littered with chunk rock, boulders, and a ledge thrown in for good measure here and there. Most of the river is able to be navigated in a canoe, kayak, or jon boat. There are some river obstacles such as the low head dam at Shawville and some mild rapids so consult an outfitter in the area before making any float plans.
Smallmouth bass will be in all the classic locations. Current breaks and chunk rock are all smallie magnets. Channel catfish can be had in the longer deep pools. Trout are fairly rare but can be found where stocked feeder creeks flow into the West Branch. The forage base of the river consists primarily of minnows and crayfish. Smallmouth will readily attack tube baits, crankbaits, and minnow baits like Rapalas. Channel catfish are often caught using old standards like chicken livers or live minnows. Trout will hit meal worms, in line spinners, flies and other standard trout fishing fair.
It is best to do some research before heading to the upper west branch. You'll find fishable stretches between Currenwensville and Shawville. The inflow of clean water from feeder creeks and springs will determine if the stretch holds fish or not. Water quality varies below Shawville and most stretches are not fishable but it starts to improve again as the river rounds the bend into Lock Haven.
Brian Heaton with a West Branch smallie.
Lower West Branch of the Susquehanna
Once the river reaches the small city of Williamsport, water quality is no longer an issue. All stretches of the river are fishable. The fishing from here down to the confluence is excellent. The river passes by towns like Montoursville, Montgomery, Watsontown, Milton, and Lewisburg on its way to the confluence with the main stem of the Susquehanna. There are a variety of species in significant enough numbers to satisfy any fisherman. Excellent populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and muskellunge can be found in many stretches of the river. I've even heard very reliable reports of trout being caught.
Below Williamsport, the West Branch starts to resemble a river. It begins to widen significantly. The river is characterized by boulders, chunk rock, ledges, riffs, long deep runs, deep holes, gravel bars, and islands. In the summer weed beds and other water plants provide ample cover for fish. The area also has a number of bridges that cross the river so fishing bridge pilings is another option. The river’s topography, structure, and cover is so diverse that everywhere you look you will see a "fishy" looking haunt that could hold a trophy smallmouth bass, walleye, or muskellunge.
The primary forage base in the lower West Branch consists of minnows, chubs and crayfish. Smallmouth bass can be caught on the usual baits like crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits, tubes and a variety of other soft plastic offerings. Crayfish are the primary forage for smallmouth on the West branch so anything that resembles or moves like a crayfish will catch fish. Walleye can be caught on suspending jerkbaits, live minnows, and twister tail grubs just to name a few. Big baits catch big fish so if you are going to chase muskellunge on the West Branch, bring the big stuff! Musky sized bucktail in-line spinners or spinnerbaits will do the trick. There are also a ton of great hardbaits in the market specifically designed for Muskellunge fishing. Of course, live baits like shiners, chubs, and even small suckers will work.
I've fished quite a few stretches of the lower West Branch and enjoyed many a great day on the river. You will be able to find good fishing no matter where you are accessing the river. I would highly recommend picking up a river map from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. You will be able to use it to locate access points, ramps, and any obvious hazards such as low head dams. Other great resources are canoe rental establishments and campgrounds situated along the river. I've found them to be a great resource in terms of locating productive spots and general information about water conditions. The West Branch of the Susquehanna is a great river and well worth the planning.
Juan is a member of several fishing industry pro staffs including kayakbassfishing.com and the Centre Sportsman TV Show. He has almost 40 years of fishing experience on the waters of Pennsylvania. Get more great fishing tips, techniques, and reports on his personal blog, www.centralpafishing.com.
