Forage on the Susquehanna

[JimKennedy]

Just got back from a weekend excursion to the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg and Halifax. Usually this time of year I see dozens of crayfish scurrying away every time I take a step. This weekend (July 22-23), very few crayfish.

Meanwhile, minnies are usually scarce, but I saw swarms of them. Anyone else notice a change in the forage situation, or was this likely just a quirk of the spot (or days) I was fishing?

Caught plenty of smallmouth sized 7 inches to more than a foot with minimal effort, and they looked well fed.

 

[Jemoca75!]

Tons of crayfish and Minnie's on my lancaster county section, lots of times when taking out hooks I see crayfish whiskers poking out of the bass gut , fish are incredibly fat

 

[laurelrun]

Fished the mouth of Fishing creek near Fort Hunter a few weeks ago at dusk, and the crayfish were everywhere. But I saw no baitfish or fry. It's a big river.

 

[krayfish2]

After the high water in 2018, noticed a huge decline (or what appeared to be a huge decrease) in crayfish numbers. Bouncing back and plenty last year / this year. It depends what section you are in as to how much bait fish activity you'll see. Around islands, in the shallow / slower water or near weed beds is where you'll see the most bait fish.

Fish numbers have been good this year IMHO. Not a ton of beasts but enough to keep you casting.

 

[caddisflyer]

The bass I have been catching for the last couple weeks all show evidence of eating crayfish. I am catching some big ones but not like in the springtime or last summer. Not sure where they got to.

 

[JimKennedy]

Glad to hear there's plenty of forage. Thanks for the reports.

 

[henrydavid]

Take a flashlight and walk the shallows at night, you will see them.