What Susquehanna State Park offers anglers
Susquehanna State Park sits along the lower Susquehanna River in Harford County, about 25 miles northeast of Baltimore. The park spans 2,639 acres and gives you access to one of the most productive river fisheries on the East Coast. You can fish from the shoreline, launch a boat, or wade depending on conditions and your preference.
The Susquehanna holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, common carp, and American shad. The river here is tidal below the Conowingo Dam, which means water levels rise and fall with the ocean tide, not just rainfall. That tidal movement concentrates fish in predictable places and creates strong current breaks that hold feeding fish.
The park itself has two main fishing areas: the Tidewater area near the river's mouth and the upriver sections closer to the dam. Each has different access points, different fish behavior, and different seasons when they fish best.
Key Takeaways
- Susquehanna State Park offers shoreline, wading, and boat access to a tidal river that holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, carp, and shad year-round.
- Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons for bass and shad; summer is better for catfish and carp.
- You need a Maryland fishing license and a Chesapeake Bay stamp if you plan to fish for shad or keep any fish from tidal waters.
- The park has boat launches, parking areas, and a visitor center; some areas close seasonally for wildlife management.
- Tidal current and water level changes mean fishing conditions shift throughout the day, so timing your visit around tide tables improves your chances.
Seasons and what fish are active when
Spring (March through May) is the strongest season for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 60s, and bass move shallow to feed and spawn. Shad also run upriver during this window, and they concentrate in the current breaks below the dam. If you fish the upper sections near Conowingo, you can target both shad and bass in the same trip.
Summer (June through August) slows the bass bite as water temperatures exceed 75 degrees. Fish move deeper and hold in shade. Channel catfish and flathead catfish become more active at night and in low-light conditions. Carp feed throughout the day in shallow flats and along weed edges. Many anglers switch to catfish and carp during summer rather than chase bass in the heat.
Fall (September through November) brings another strong bass season as water cools back into the 60s and 50s. Shad make a second run, though smaller than spring. Catfish remain active through November. This is also when many anglers target carp in the shallows before winter.
Winter (December through February) is slowest overall. Bass bite sporadically on mild days. Catfish remain catchable but require patience. Some anglers focus on carp in deeper holes. Water temperatures in the 30s and 40s mean fewer fish are actively feeding, but the park stays open and crowds thin out.
Access points and boat launching
The park has three main boat launch areas. The Tidewater launch near the mouth of the Susquehanna is the most popular and has a paved ramp, parking, and restrooms. This launch puts you in the lower tidal section where the river widens and holds shad, catfish, and carp. The current is gentler here than upriver, making it easier for smaller boats.
The Conowingo Dam area has a launch on the upstream side that accesses the impoundment above the dam. This section holds largemouth bass in shallow coves and along the shoreline. The water is less tidal here and more stable, which can make fishing more predictable. Access requires driving through the dam area; check current conditions before you go, as the dam operators sometimes restrict access.
Shoreline fishing is free and requires no launch. The park has several pull-offs and parking areas along the river road. You can walk to the water and fish from the bank or wade in shallow areas. The Tidewater section has the most accessible shoreline, with maintained paths and cleared banks. Upriver sections are more rugged but often less crowded.
Regulations and licensing requirements
You must have a valid Maryland fishing license to fish anywhere in the park. Licenses are sold online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some park facilities. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally.
If you plan to fish for shad or keep any fish from tidal waters, you also need a Chesapeake Bay stamp. This is an add-on to your fishing license and is required even if you are only fishing for one day. The stamp funds habitat restoration in the bay and its tributaries.
Bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a five-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size limit and no daily limit. Carp have no size or daily limit. Shad have a two-fish daily limit and no size limit. Check the current Maryland fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.
What gear and tackle work best
For largemouth bass, bring medium-power spinning or baitcasting rods with 8- to 12-pound line. Topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics all work. In spring, focus on shallow cover like fallen trees and weed edges. In summer, fish deeper structure and shade.
Smallmouth bass respond to similar lures but often hold on rocky structure and current breaks. The tidal sections below the dam have good smallmouth habitat. Jigs and tubes are effective, as are small crankbaits that mimic the baitfish the river holds.
For catfish, use heavy sinkers and live or cut bait. Chicken liver, shad, and mackerel are standard choices. Fish the bottom in deeper holes, especially at night. Channel catfish are more active in current; flatheads prefer slack water and structure.
Carp require patience and precision. Use corn, dough balls, or specialized carp pellets. Fish early morning or late evening in shallow flats. A 7- to 8-foot rod with 15- to 20-pound line gives you the backbone to land large carp without breaking off.
Tidal timing and water level changes
The Susquehanna is tidal below the Conowingo Dam, which means water level rises and falls twice daily. High tide pushes water upriver and floods shallow flats. Low tide exposes structure and concentrates fish in deeper channels. Understanding the tide cycle improves your fishing dramatically.
Fish feed most actively during the transition from slack water to moving current. The hour before and after high tide and low tide are often the most productive. During slack water (the period when the tide is neither rising nor falling), fish bite less predictably.
Check tide tables for the Susquehanna before you fish. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publishes free tide predictions for the Susquehanna at Conowingo. Time your visit to arrive an hour before the tide change you want to fish.
Facilities and visitor services
The park has a visitor center near the main entrance with restrooms, parking, and information about current conditions. Picnic areas and a playground are available if you bring family. There is no overnight camping at Susquehanna State Park itself, but nearby state parks and private campgrounds offer lodging.
Fuel and supplies are available in nearby towns like Havre de Grace and Conowingo. The closest full-service marina is at Conowingo, about 10 miles upriver. If you need to rent a boat or hire a guide, several charter services operate out of Havre de Grace and can take you to productive sections of the river.
Some areas of the park close seasonally for wildlife management and habitat restoration. Check the Maryland Parks website before your trip to confirm access to the section you plan to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at night?
Yes, night fishing is allowed in the park. Catfish are most active at night, and many anglers target them after dark. Bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going. The shoreline can be uneven and slippery, so move carefully.
Do I need a boat to fish here?
No. Shoreline and wading access are free and productive, especially in spring and fall. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but you can catch bass and catfish from the bank.
What is the best time of day to fish?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (late afternoon to sunset) are most productive for bass. For catfish, night is best. Tide timing matters more than time of day; fish the hour before and after tide changes regardless of the clock.
Are there guides available?
Yes. Several charter captains operate out of Havre de Grace and offer guided trips on the Susquehanna. A guide can show you productive structure, explain the tidal patterns, and help you target the species you want. Search for "Susquehanna River fishing guides" to find current options.
What should I do if I catch a fish I want to keep?
Check the current size and daily limits in the Maryland fishing guide. Keep fish on ice in a cooler to preserve quality. If you are keeping shad or any tidal-water fish, you must have the Chesapeake Bay stamp on your license.