Conowingo Dam Tailraceon Susquehanna River (Conowingo Dam Tailrace)
River flow last 30 days
Current weather: 59°F
- 01Current weather: 59°F, Partly Cloudy, wind 4 mph SW, humidity 92°.
- 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable for the Susquehanna River below Conowingo Dam.
- 03Focus on subsurface presentations mirroring baitfish, crayfish, and larger invertebrates as water temperatures cool.
- 04Flathead catfish continue to dominate the fishery, with other gamefish populations remaining low.
- 05Striped Bass and Smallmouth Bass opportunities are limited but present for persistent anglers.
What to tie on at Conowingo Dam Tailrace
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Shad Dart
American Shad are actively migrating upriver during the spring, and these small, bright attractor flies are highly effective for these aggressive, schooling fish.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
This baitfish imitation is deadly for aggressive Smallmouth Bass and can also entice Striped Bass in the current clear, high water conditions.
Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A classic and versatile streamer pattern, the black/olive Woolly Bugger is excellent for enticing predatory strikes from Smallmouth Bass and Striped Bass, imitating leeches or baitfish in varying flows.
Squirmy Wormy
An excellent attractor, particularly effective with the elevated spring flows which can wash aquatic worms into the system, appealing to a wide array of species including bass.
Buy at AmazonHellgrammite Fly
Smallmouth Bass key on hellgrammites as a substantial food source in rocky rivers year-round. Drag this slowly along the bottom in deep areas.
Deceiver (Lefty's)
A historically effective baitfish pattern for Striped Bass, capable of imitating the various forage fish present in the river during their spring migration.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph for early spring, mimicking various mayfly nymphs that are active year-round and particularly as BWOs begin to emerge.
Gurgler (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
As spring progresses and water temperatures rise, topwater action for Smallmouth Bass can intensify, making this popper a good attractor, especially during early mornings or late afternoons.
Shad Dart
American Shad are a known target species in the Susquehanna, and fall can see late-season fish. Small, bright attractor flies are effective.
Maryland season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.