Capt. Karl’s Fishing Tips

Susquehanna River Flats & Upper Chesapeake Bay

Welcome Aboard! The Susquehanna River Flats is one of the few great secrets of Bass Fishing! Yes, bass fishing while the area is known for it’s great Rockfish/Striper fishing the bass fishermen outside of the local area have yet to discover what a Great Bass Fishery awaits them at the little quiet town of Havre de Grace, Maryland.

In May of 2004 Readers Digest Magazine’s (America’s Best 100 New Discoveries) listed Havre de Grace, MD. As the number one destination for anglers in search of the ever smart & elusive Largemouth Bass. The quote from the article cited the region as producing largemouth bass to seventeen pounds. It is believed by most anglers in the area that they were referring to the spring migration of striped bass locally known as rockfish.

This is one destination that you should consider for your next vacation or better yet make it a family vacation/ fishing experience, as the town of Havre de Grace, has many Educational and Historical sites to visit during your trip and numerous quality Bed and Breakfast, that are great alternatives to staying in a motel. The bass fishing is great from March thru November; the months of December, January, February are dependant on Mother Nature. This fishery is such a strong and healthy bass fishery that it consistently takes a five fish limit of largemouth and smallmouth bass weighing 20 pounds, to win most clubs and open tournaments in the area. The Susquehanna River Flats is located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Upper Chesapeake Bay, which gives the area quick access to the many Rivers and Tributaries that connect to the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Don’t let the negative thoughts or stories you may have heard about navigating the flats discourage you from experiencing this great fishery, your first trip out in the area, I recommend using a guide, as there are many navigational hazards that are associated with fishing any flats area, but a competent/experienced guide can quickly y show you how to navigate this area safely.

The Susquehanna River Flats has all of the different types of structure and cover the bass fisherman could want. Grass you will probably not find a fishery with better and heathery submerged grass area’s than on the Susquehanna River Flats, which provides the bass fisherman with a vast area for the exciting Topwater fishing, using poppers, buzzbaits, and any of the topwater plastics such as frogs or large floating worms. The bass fisherman will also find that Spinnerbaits and shallow running Cranbaits work great in the grass areas as well. The shorelines of the area offer the bass fisherman many miles of fallen trees and submerged wood that is known as wood lay downs, Spinnerbaits, shallow running Cranbaits and plastics are excellent choices when fishing these wood lay down areas. The shorelines and flats also are abundant with large rock’s that are excellent spots to fish all types of lures. To learn more about this great fishery you can go to www.karlsbassinadventures.com .

Spring; March-May

The Bass will be spawning in the shallow creeks such as Furnace Bay & Swan Creek; these areas will be abundant with grass, as the grass beds grow in the late spring they will be very dense/thick. I recommend fishing Spinnerbaits such as the Dave’s Tournament Tackle (Tiger Shad) model in the Bream color. Shallow running Crankbaits are also very effective until the grass gets dense/thick. Topwater, be prepared for some of the most fun you will ever have fishing Buzzbaits (I recommend the Dave’s Tournament Tackle brand), Poppers & Large Floating Worms are all great choices. In addition to the grass target the many wood laydowns on the shallow shorelines.

Summer; June-August

During the Hot/Humid days of summer target the vase/large grass beds that the Susquehanna Flats area has to offer the bass fisherman. These grass beds provide the bass with cover from the Sun & Oxygen that they need to survive & keep active. Many of the shallow shorelines with the wood laydowns will have grass growing on them as well & will continue to hold good quality bass thru the summer months also. Spinnerbaits, & any of the Topwater baits & shallow running Crankbaits will work fine until the grass gets to thick/dense, then try Floating Frogs such as the YUM Buzzfrog & large 12-14 inch Floating Worms, work the baits across the heavily matted grass beds, but keep a tight grip on your fishing rod & be ready for that big Lunker you have been wanting to explode from under the grass on your Topwater bait! My Tidal River Drop Shot technique can be a very valuable fish catching technique this time of the year as well as 4 inch Worms & Tubes.

Fall; September-November

The bass will be feeding & getting ready for the long cold winter months ahead. Target the shallow creeks as the bait fish will school up in these shallow creeks & the bass will feed on them. Use Spinnerbaits & Shallow running Crankbaits. When the bite is slow use a small 4 inch worm or Tube to entice the bass to bite. As the temperature gets colder follow the bass from the creeks to the deeper water in the Mouth of the Susquehanna River. I recommend using deep diving Crankbaits, My Tidal River Drop Shot & Tubes. This is the season that your chances are best to get that BIG Smallmouth Bass that you have been dreaming of!

Winter; December-February

These months the fishing will depend on Mother-Nature. The winter months can be very cold with heavy precipitation (snow). The Mouth of the Susquehanna River does not usually freeze but most of the boat ramps are located in the shallow waters & will get some shallow ice around them. On the warmer days of winter that you are able to venture out fish the fall patterns for largemouth & smallmouth bass.

There are four waterfront parks in the city that provide excellent shoreline and pier fishing. They are:

(1)     City Yacht Basin- this is a free fishing area. This area runs from the Promenade gazebo to pier one. Please keep clear of the fuel dock area, as you are not allowed to fish there. In the fall this is a good spot for all species. You can also purchase your fishing license at this location. The staff at The City Yacht Basin is very knowledgeable and helpful; their phone number is (410) 939-0015. They also have transient boat slips available if you are visiting by boat. There is a very well maintained boat ramp which provides the visiting trailer-boater easy access to the Susquehanna River and the Susquehanna Flats, North East River, Mouth of the Elk River, Sassafras River, Bohemia River and the main body of the Northern Chesapeake Bay.

(2)     Frank Hutchins Park- Located the foot of Congress Ave. There is a Fishing pier at this location. This park is a free fishing location meaning that a Maryland fishing license is not required at this park. Large vessels visiting the city sometimes use this pier so you may want to check before planning your day.

(3)     Jean Roberts Park- Located at the foot of Otsego Street is a small fishing area at the end of the property adjacent to the fence on the north side. This is a good location to fish for panfish and catfish year-round. There is a small vessel (16 ft. or less), kayak and canoe launch ramp at this location.

(4)     North Park- Located by the Lockhouse Museum.

While planning your trip to the area, if you would like to experience & enjoy some of the great fishing the area has to offer or take a Sightseeing trip of the beautiful Havre de Grace Shoreline with it’s great wildlife such as the Bald Eagles & Ducks that make their home on the shorelines. Please contact my guide service, Karl’s Bassin’ Adventures at home/bus. # (410) 272-6940 or cell# (410) 459-7445. To learn more about my guide service and for local up to date fishing reports you can go to my website www.karlsbassinadventures.com A Day on the water with Karl’s Bassin’ Adventures is a great vacation or family fun activity and we specialize in beginner & youth fishing instruction. We also provide all the fishing tackle needed for your day of fishing. We have ½ day, ¾ day & full day trips available.

The following rates are for one or two persons add $50.00 for a third person.

½ day (4 hours) $200.00

¾ day (6 hours) $250.00

Full day (8 hours) $300.00

Remember, A NEW ADVENTURE STARTS WITH EVERY CAST!

The following resources will provide you with all the information you will need to plan your first and exciting bass fishing trip to the Susquehanna River Flats.

The City of Havre de Grace, MD. Visitors Center, www.hdgtourism.com or (410) 939-2100.

Lock to Lighthouse publication, www.LockhouseToLighthouse.com .

Karl’s Bassin’ Adventures Guide Service, fishing reports, tide chart link, Specializing in Beginner and Youth Fishing Instruction! Sightseeing trips are Welcomed also! “The Upper Chesapeake Bay is Our Home, Welcome Aboard” www.karlsbassinadventures.com  or (410) 272-6940, cell# (410) 459-7445.

Good Fishing, Capt. Karl Bunch