Guided Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania
Smallmouth bass fishing in Pennsylvania is some of the best in the world. It may not be a state often thought of as a bass fishing hot spot, but our river smallmouth fly fishing especially is hard to beat. From jigging streamers to pre-spawn fish to topwater fishing in the summer, Pennsylvania has it all.
Pennsylvania Guided Bass Fishing Trip Options and Rates
Half Day Walk & Wade Trip
4 Hours
Half day walk & wade trips are a great way to see hat Pennsylvania bass fishing is all about.
$375
Full Day Float Trip
8 Hours
Float trips are the best way to target smallmouth. You can catch them wading, but floats allow us to cover water and find active fish.
$650
Full Day Walk & Wade Trip
8 Hours
A full day walk and wade is a great way to target bass and learn our rivers more intimately. We often get good shots at sight fishing big fish up close.
$550
Guided Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania offers some of the best river smallmouth fishing in the country. Our primary waterways are the main stem of the Juniata River and the smaller tributaries of the Susquehanna River. These waters make up a large portion of the lower Susquehanna watershed, and the bass freely move around through them throughout the season. The migratory fish offer a variety of fishing experiences throughout the year. We follow the spawning run up the tributaries in the spring and fish for smallmouth pushing five pounds on small water, then transition to the main river as the fish drop back in the summer. Once the bugs get moving, topwater fishing is the name of the game in our area. The Juniata has a great population of damselflies, so the bass are very reactive to topwater presentations. Most days we can fish on top all day and have success. Then there is always the opportunity to target fish subsurface with baitfish and crawfish imitations.
The Pennsylvania Bass Fishing Season
We guide for bass in PA from early April to the end of September. The early season from April to mid May is when the spawning run of big fish comes up the tributaries from the Susquehanna. This time of year fish from 2.5 to 4 pounds are fairly common, with fish up to 5 pounds being caught every year. If you want to catch a big Pennsylvania smallmouth, this is the time to do it. The best way to target these fish is to float the smaller tributaries, usually fishing with slow to fast intermediate lines and larger articulated streamers.
As the spring progresses, these larger fish drop back to the main river as they finish their spawn. We start focusing more on fishing our big river, the Juniata. We can keep up targeting larger fish on big streamers, but fishing jigs and crayfish patterns becomes effective as well. As things heat up, the topwater bite turns on as well. Fishing smaller poppers and big dries is effective for all sizes of bass, but we can also target big fish on top fishing larger frog patterns.
From July to September is full on summer fishing. Our preference is fishing on top basically all day, but crayfish patterns and small damsels will put up great numbers of fish. This time of year is usually marked by a smaller average fish size, but significantly higher numbers. 80 to 100 fish days are real possibilities if you can keep up good casting all day. The average fish is 8 to 12 inches, but there will be decent numbers of fish from 14-16″ and a few larger. There is a real shot at big fish every day as well- bass in excess of 20″ and pushing 4+ pounds.
What's Included in a PA Guided Bass Trip?
We offer half day (4hr) and full day (8hr) walk & wade trips, and full day float trips. All fishing equipment ( rods, reels, lines, flies, etc) is provided. We have waders and boots available in select sizes. If you need a pair, please let us know in advance so we can see if we have your size. Depending on the season, wet wading in whatever water shoes you have with you may be appropriate. Lunch can be provided for full day trips upon request for an additional cost.
Licenses are not provided and much be purchased before your trip.
Common Questions & Answers
What do I need to bring on my guide trip?
Some anglers prefer to bring all their own equipment, while others prefer to travel light and use ours. Whatever your case is, there are a few items we recommend you bring either to be more comfortable, or because we can’t provide them:
- Sunglasses
- A sunshirt and hat
- Sunscreen
- Extra water
- Having your own waders (if you want waders at all) is recommended for the most comfortable fit
How much fishing experience do I need?
Absolutely none! We can work with you to plan a trip to your skill level, where you’ll have fun, catch fish, and learn some new tricks whether you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced angler.
When is the best time to bass fish PA
The best time to fish depends on what you want to do. For targeting big bass, April and May is prime time. For topwater fishing or numbers, June through September is the time to get out. Luckily with how good our bass fishing is, any day we go out gives the opportunity for great fishing.
How can I pay for my trip?
We accept cash, check, or bank transfer due by the end of our trip. Deposits are due at the time of booking, and the remainder of the trip is due at the end of your fishing day. Deposits are refundable up to 14 days before your date, and 30 days before your date during prime time April-May)
