Updated October 15, 2026

    Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace)

    river in Maryland

    The Conowingo tailrace concentrates migratory fish and provides dependable spring shad and early-summer striped bass action for fly anglers, with substantial bank and boat access.

    Perch
    This week's reportAccess & shops

    River flow last 30 days

    02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,00016,00018,00020,00022,00024,00026,00028,00030,00032,00034,00036,000Sep 16Sep 18Sep 2024,036 cfs
    USGS gauge 01578310 · daily averageUpdated Oct 16
    Flow now
    14,200cfs
    Below the typical range (17,700–24,200 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Rising
    18,388 to 33,379 cfs
    Weather now
    71°F
    Clear Sky, wind 9 mph S
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Current weather: 59°F

    1. 01Current weather: 59°F, Partly Cloudy, wind 4 mph SW, humidity 92°.
    2. 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable for the Susquehanna River below Conowingo Dam.
    3. 03Focus on subsurface presentations mirroring baitfish, crayfish, and larger invertebrates as water temperatures cool.
    4. 04Flathead catfish continue to dominate the fishery, with other gamefish populations remaining low.
    5. 05Striped Bass and Smallmouth Bass opportunities are limited but present for persistent anglers.

    Past reports week by week

    7 weeks

    What to tie on

    Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.

    dry

    Shad Dart

    #14#16

    American Shad are a known target species in the Susquehanna, and fall can see late-season fish. Small, bright attractor flies are effective.

    streamer

    Silversides

    Atlantic Silverside
    #1/0#2#4

    Fall is a prime time for baitfish migrations, and the Silversides imitation is an excellent choice for any striped bass still actively feeding in the Susquehanna River.

    streamer

    Clouser Minnow (Saltwater)

    Minnow/shrimp
    #1/0#2/0#3/0

    A universal baitfish imitation, effective year-round for predatory species like striped bass in inshore waters, especially as they feed on baitfish during the fall.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph

    Hellgrammite Fly

    Hellgrammite (Dobsonfly larva)
    #4#6#8

    Hellgrammites are a consistent, protein-rich food source for smallmouth bass in rocky rivers like the Susquehanna, making this a reliable subsurface pattern in fall.

    streamer

    Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)

    #4#6#8

    A classic and versatile streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for bass and can entice strikes from the abundant flathead catfish in cooler fall waters.

    nymph

    Mop Fly

    Grub/Larvae
    #10#12#14

    Given the dominance of flathead catfish in the Susquehanna River, this grub/larvae imitation is a proven workhorse for enticing strikes from these opportunistic bottom feeders.

    dry

    Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)

    #14#16

    Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass and the abundant flathead catfish in the Susquehanna River's rocky habitats. Stripping this along the bottom can trigger aggressive takes.

    Where to fish and who to ask

    Backwater Angler · MonktonGreat Feathers · Sparks GlencoeCreekside Fly & Tackle · LancasterO'Neills Fly Fishing · Hockessin1Conowingo Dam Tailrace2Ferry Landing / Conowingo Access3Havre de Grace / Lower Susquehanna Approach
    AccessFly shopGuide trips
    1

    Conowingo Dam Tailrace

    Primary hotspot below the dam where migrating shad and bass congregate each spring and early summer.

    39.668°N 76.217°WUSGS 01578310Directions
    2

    Ferry Landing / Conowingo Access

    Convenient shore access used by anglers for shad and bass during spring runs.

    39.662°N 76.205°WDirections
    3

    Havre de Grace / Lower Susquehanna Approach

    Downriver access points used for boat and fly-fishing for migratory and resident gamefish.

    39.553°N 76.091°WDirections

    Fly shops within 40 miles

    24mi

    Backwater Angler

    Monkton, MDGuide trips
    25mi

    Great Feathers

    Sparks Glencoe, MD
    26mi

    Creekside Fly & Tackle

    Lancaster, PA
    29mi

    O'Neills Fly Fishing

    Hockessin, DE

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    Maryland season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Read before you go

    Gear & tipsFelt vs. Rubber Sole Wading BootsWhat's Legal Where
    Gear & tips

    Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where

    Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.

    Quick answers

    Common questions about Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace).

    What flies work best on Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace)?

    Our top scored fly patterns for Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace) right now are Shad Dart (80% confidence), Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White) (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.

    What fish species are in Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace)?

    Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace) holds Perch. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.

    What are current flow conditions on Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace)?

    Live USGS streamflow readings for Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.

    Is Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace) fishing well right now?

    We publish a fresh bite report for Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.