Anthracite Outfitters North Branch Susquehanna River Conditions and Catching Report for the week of 4/11/2011

Anthracite Outfitters North Branch Susquehanna River
Conditions and Catching Report for the week of 4/11/2011

The almost seemingly winter like weather temperatures and elevated flow rate are seeing outstanding conditions for musky. The water temps are relatively cool for this time of year, and with the high flow rate of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, these toothy fish are ripe for the catching. As well the small mouth bass are making a showing and the walleye being landed are fat, and healthy. Walleye are closed for the spawn and they are not being targeted, but when caught as by catch should be handled carefully and released quickly as they are heavily egg laden.

First and foremost for those who may be making an angling foray to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River’s edge, safety during these elevated flowrates with cool water temperatures should be paramount. I carry a spade shovel and dig healthy footholds into the shoreline sediment to create footholds as well create a landing area for the trophy fish likely to be caught.

The musky in the North Branch of the Susquehanna River are falling to primarily larger profiled jigs, 3/4oz or better, as well, large profiled swimming plugs, commonly used by surf casters, who target striped bass.

The musky I have been landing on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, are tipping the bogas to between 12# and 15#+. Fish weighing in at 20#’s or more are not uncommon, but so far my biggest musky this season weighed a little better than 16#’s.

By far the most productive areas to target these toothy fish are eddy pockets and current breaks, not to mention areas where feeder creeks adjoin the main flow of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. These are prime areas where these big opportunistic fish may sit comfortably and be in a prime position to target hapless forage as it drifts by on the swollen flow of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. The most productive technique thus far has been getting the jig down close, preferably right on, the bottom, and to keep it moving steadily while
imparting slight “hops” to the jig when it contacts the bottom. For the larger swimming lures, the trick has been a steady retrieve, with intermittent acceleration during the retrieve. On one outing a couple weeks ago I saw more than 4 musky follow with out committing to hit the lure. Often it’s necessary to trigger these fish to attack, as they will follow the lure for some distance. So contacting the bottom with a jig with a subsequent snap of the rod tip, or an acceleration during retrieve with the large swimming plugs are getting these fickle fish to commit to the take.

The small mouth bass are also becoming quite a bit more aggressive as they too are getting more into a pre-spawn mode. The smallies I have landed of late have all been hugging sticky structure, that being submerged brush and large boulders. They have been hitting larger jigs intended for the musky. They seem to want the jig paused on the bottom, in the smoothest pocket water, where they are inhaling the jig.

I’d like to note that as of yet I have not had the kayak in the river due to extremely dangerous shoreline conditions in the form of strainers, as well the high fast flow of the river. Anthracite Outfitters is however taking bookings for the start of our kayak fishing season which is scheduled for May 1st, 2011, flow rate permitting.

In closing, if you are intent on setting out after that trophy musky, now is the time to do it. Please be careful and always put safety first, and I wish you tight lines and screaming reels!!!

Anthracite Outfitters Kayak Fishing & Angling Guide Service
www.antoutfitters.com
Tactical Anglers
www.tacticalanglers.com