The river finally managed to drop to an acceptable level for the kayak, so I figured with the spring we have had it was time to get out while the getting was good.  The day was warm, in the 70’s and partly sunny.  I launched around mid-day and was surprised the find the launch ramps were still buried in mud from the previous high water events that we have had this spring. 

Once I was done dragging the kayak and my gear over the slippery mud that was ankle to calf deep in spots I was off on the first kayak fishing trip this year due to the river levels and unfavorable weather.

Anglers need to be careful around the river during these conditions because even though the levels were down, the flow rate was not and the banks are extremely slippery and the water is still very cold.  An angler falling into the river would be swept downstream fairly quickly in the colder water and would have a hard time getting back up the slippery bank, so caution needs to be taken when fishing the Susquehanna or any river in these conditions.

I quickly made it downstream to a feeder stream that was swollen; I set myself in the small eddie at the mouth so that I could easily swing the lure across the merging currents and the small seams that they were creating.  First cast with a 6” Storm swimshad and I had a 30” Musky hit it just as it broke the current seam at the edge of the eddie pocket running tight to the bottom on a slow retrieve.  Not  a bad first fish for the first kayak trip this season.  Several casts later I lost another musky at the side of the kayak and decided to move up into the feeder.

This ended up being my only fish for the afternoon, but not for a lack of trying.  Musky are known as the fish of 10,000 casts, some days are just better than others.

I was targeting musky, so I wasn’t looking for or even fishing for smallmouth, which are in their  spawn time currently  and are only a catch & immediate release  fishery from mid-April through to father’s day.  I like to give them a break this time of year and concentrate on the musky or walleye while they are still very active with the colder water temps.

The river was a work out to get back upstream with the increased flow rate and would have been a tough paddle, but this season I’m using a Hobie Outback and I have to say that the Mirage Drive System on the Hobie made heading back upstream against the current in that particular area much easier than it would have been by paddle.

The river is forecast to rise again to a level that I prefer not to kayakfish on, so as soon as I can I will get out there and catch up another report.

Capt.  Daniel Hubbard
Anthracite Outfitters Owner/Operator

Pa Licensed & Insured Fishing Guide
www.antoutfitters.com

Tactical Anglers Pro-Staff
www.TacticalAnglers.com

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!!!

Hank Hewitt
Anthracite Outfitters kayak and fly fishing guide
www.antoutfitters.com
Tactical Anglers Pro-staff
www.tacticalanglers.com