Saturday, November 27, 2010

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report, 11/27/10

From the Koinonia Guide Service:
http://www.koinoniafishingguides.com/

Hi Gang,

The river was at 5.2 with 36,200CF of flow and 45 degrees at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 4.9 with 30,600CF of flow and 42 degrees. The BP was 29.90 and falling.

Trip #1 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Monday PM and we fished for 3 hours and boated 12 Walleye and we had 6 that were legal. The largest was 19” and we caught it on a stickbait. We caught them on soft plastics and stickbaits. We had 5.2 – Clear – Falling – 36,200 CF and 45 degrees. It was cloudy and we had a BP of 30.40 and rising.

Trip #2 – Guide Fun Trip – This was on Tuesday evening and we fished 2.5 hours and boated 13 Walleye, 1 Fallfish, 1 Rockbass and 1 Crappie. The largest Walleye was 16” and we caught them all on soft plastics. We had 5.0 – Clear - Falling – 31,800 CF and 46 degrees. It was cloudy and we had a BP of 30.10 & rising.

Trip #3 Guide Scouting Trip – This was a Wednesday PM trip and we boated 6 Walleye and the largest was 14.75”. We caught them on YUM Dingers and jig/minnow combos. We had 4.9 – Steady – Clear - 29,800CF and 42.6 degrees. It was cloudy with a BP of 30.50 and steady.

Trip #4 – Guide Trip – No

Trip #5 – Guide Fun Trip – No

Trip #6 – No Trip

The bass fishing is again picking up. The Walleye fishing is still spotty.

We did not fish Thanksgiving – Saturday due to rain wind and temperature.

Bass Pro has some great deals going on hunting and fishing items.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND LUV THE TUG………REB

*CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE - www.Koinoniafishingguides.com*

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

December Issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine Now Online!


The December issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine is now online and available for free via SusquehannaFishing.com.

The new issue includes useful product reviews for your holiday shopping, as well as a variety of articles appealing to anglers from around the Susquehanna River region and beyond.

http://susquehannafishing.com/

Also, be sure to check out the SusquehannaFishing.com homepage for an exclusive link for discounted tickets to this winter's Harrisburg outdoor show!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Koinonia Guide Service Susquehanna Fishing Report, 11/20/10

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://www.koinoniafishingguides.com/


Hi Gang,

The river was at 4.1 with 16,900CF of flow and 46 degrees at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 5.2 with 36,200CF of flow and 45 degrees. The BP was 30.40 and rising.

1. Trip #1 – Guide Trip – This was on Monday PM and we fished for 4 hours and boated 10 Flatheads and 1 Channel Cat. Our two largest Flatheads were 28# & 21.15# and our Channel Cat was 5.11#. We caught them on live and cut bait. We had 4.0 – Clear – Steady – 15,500 CF and 48 - 54 degrees. It was calm, overcast and we had a BP of 30.30 and steady.

2. Trip #2 – Guide Trip – No Trip

3. Trip #3 Guide Trip – No Trip

4. Trip #4 – Guide Trip – No Trip

5. Trip #5 – Guide Fun Trip – No Trip

6. We did not fish much this week due to poor conditions and work schedule.

7. Please write the Fish and Boat Commission and express your concerns to them. We can provide you with email addresses if you need them.

8. The good cat fishing will most likely end any day now. However, the Walleye and Bass fishing should pick up.


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND LUV THE TUG………REB

*CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE - www.Koinoniafishingguides.com*

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Susquehanna Tournament Report, 11/21/10

From Lynda Morris
Member of the of Suskie Bassmasters


Four boats participated in today's fall tournament on the river. Water temperatures were around 41 degrees, very little wind, with some overcast - however, due to the recent rise in water level, then a pretty quick drop, the water was stained and murky, making it bit of a tough bite. Still finding that the typical wintering holes in the Wilkes-Barre / Nanticoke areas continue to be void of the traditional fall schooling of smallmouth. The results of today's tournament was: 1st Place (and lunker): John Centek & Chet Williams with 11.25lbs, 2nd Place: Rob Rosencrans & Lynda Morris with 9.52lbs, 3rd Place: John Chimola and Matt Centak with 9.25lbs.

Tight Lines!!!
~Lynda
Backwater Custom Baits - Pro-Staff
Reels-on-Wheels - USA Affiliate


Contact Lynda or Rob for updates:
http://www.suskiebassmasters.org/

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

West Branch of the Susquehanna offers great multi-species opportunities (SFM, February 2010)

From the February 2010 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine.
Download back issues online for free:

http://susquehannafishing.com/

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.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Susquehanna Tournament Report, 11/14/10

From Lynda Morris
Pro-Staff for Backwater Custom Bait and a member of the of Suskie Bassmasters

Today we had an 8 hour tournament with a total of 4 boats and 8 anglers fishing and once again, it was a very tough bite. The average smallmouth weight was about 3 1/2 lbs. The tournament (and lunker) was won by John Chimola and Matt Centak.

Lunker: 3.63 lbs 19" long - total weight 10.08lbs

As it stands currently, the weather forecast for next weekend is looking good and the river seems to be holding at around 3.8 ft. If conditions remain constant, there should be another Sunday tournament next weekend from 8am to 4pm.

Contact Lynda or Rob for updates:
http://www.suskiebassmasters.org/

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Koinonia Guide Service; Susquehanna Fishing Report, 11/13/10

From Koinonia Guide Service:
http://www.koinoniafishingguides.com/


Hi Gang,

The river was at 4.2 with 18,200CF of flow and 45 degrees at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week we had 4.1 with 16,900CF of flow and 46 degrees. The BP was 30.55 and rising.

1. Trip #1 – Guide Scouting Trip – This was on Monday PM and we fished for 3 hours and boated 5 Bass. The largest was 16” and we caught them all on soft plastics. We caught them on YUM Craw Papi’s and Grubs. We had 4.4 – Clear – Steady – 21,400 CF and 46 degrees. It was extremely windy with 30+MPH and we had a BP of 29.90 and steady.

2. Trip #2 – Guide Trip – This was on Tuesday evening and we boated 23 Flatheads. The largest was 20# and we had many in the teen class. We caught them on live and cut bait. We had 4.5 – Clear - Falling – 22,600 CF and 46 degrees. It was cool and we had a BP of 30.20 & rising.

3. Trip #3 Guide Trip – This was a Thursday PM combo trip and we boated 3 Smallmouth and 8 Walleye. The largest Bass was 17” and the largest Walleye was 13”. We caught them on soft plastics and jig & minnow. We had 4.3 – Steady – Clear - 19,300CF and 47 degrees. It was cool with a BP of 30.80 and falling.

4. Trip #4,#5,#6 – Guide Trip – This was a Half Day PM Trip on Friday and we had 3 boats out. We only boated 24 Bass and the largest was 18.5”. We caught them on soft plastics and stickbaits. We had 4.1 – Steady – Clear – 17,500CF and 46 degrees. It was sunny and we had a BP of 30.80 and falling. We talked to numerous boats that were out and it was poor fishing for everyone we talked to. Not sure why it was so bad but it was not expected that is for sure.

5. Trip #7 – Guide Fun Trip – This was a Saturday PM trip and we fished 4.5 hours. We boated 16 Flatheads and the largest was 28.15#. We also had a 19.07# and a 19.05#. We caught them all on live bait. We had 4.1 – Steady – Clear – 16,900 CF and 54 degrees. It was warm and sunny with a BP of 30.55 and rising.

6. Trip #8 – No Trip

7. Trip #9 – No Trip

8. The bass fishing was off this week but I am not sure why. The Walleye fishing is continuing to build and I expect we should start guiding for them the week after Thanksgiving.

9. Please write the Fish and Boat Commission and express your concerns to them. We can provide you with email addresses if you need them.

10. Linda and I traveled to Mt. Pocono on Tuesday and shot a television show with Alex and JoAnne Zidock. They were great host and we enjoyed the experience tremendously. The show aired Thursday, Friday and Saturday and should air tomorrow as well. In a couple weeks it should be on the Out In The Open web site for a week. We will try to let you know when you can view it on the web site.

11. I don’t know how long the catfish fishing will last but it was another great week for catching quality Flatheads.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND LUV THE TUG………REB

*CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE - www.Koinoniafishingguides.com*