Waters We Fish: Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania

“I consider the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania to be the finest smallmouth bass river on the east coast,” said Ken Penrod in his book titled Pursuing River Smallmouth Bass. We prefer the area above Harrisburg, launching from Riverfront Campground, where the Juniata River meets the “Susqy.” We fish from Xpress jet boats powered by Mercury jet drives. Our “window of opportunity” depends upon river flow—and we want high water. The best time frame is mid-March through May. We use spinning tackle and artificial lures, especially Mizmo tubes. It’s no big deal for a 3-person trip to catch (and release) 30-50 smallmouth bass in the 3-pound-and-better class. We can provide low water, summertime outings also. Fishing license required. One or two persons. Multiple guides available. March through May, or whenever the river level is above 4.0 feet at Harrisburg.
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<>SUSQUEHANNA TRIP CHECK<>

Fishing With LOU @ Riverfront Campground & Others, 2024
Susquehanna & Juniata Rivers, Duncannon, PA
Guides must provide this to every client—every time.
We thank you for choosing us and we will bust out butts to provide a safe productive day.

• Riverfront Campground Phone: 717-834-5252
• RFCG Host: John Cunningham with well stocked tackle shop.
• River Conditions: 888-881-7555
• Ken Penrod’s cell: 240-447-2206
• Ken’s e-mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net
• LOU Website: www.penrodsguides.com
• Dave Kerrigan’s Cell: 301-252-5322 (Dave is our VP-Smallmouth Operations)

Directions to Riverfront Campground From the East
• Baltimore Beltway toward Towson
• Route 83 north toward York/Harrisburg
• 581 to Route 81 North
• Cross the River, then 322 toward Lewistown
• Cross the River, immediate left turn toward Duncannon
• Cross Juniata River (very close)
• Left turn into campground just before the Railroad arch (close & dangerous)

Direction to Riverfront Campground from the West
• Route 81 North
• Cross Susquehanna River
• 322 toward Lewistown
• See above
• Don’t wait to long—they will book quickly

Restaurants we prefer
• Ranch House Restaurant—near Stardust Motel
• Sorrentos—in the town of Duncannon

Motels our clients use:
• Red Carpet Motel, Duncannon (route 15) 717-834-3320; 3270 Susquehanna Trail
• America’s Best Value, Front Street, Harrisburg 877-759-7612
• Days Inn North, 3939 N Front Street, Harrisburg, 888-978-6498
Required Fishing License
• Pennsylvania
• Obtain at Riverfront Campground or on line from PA Fish & Boat website

Arranging Your Trip
• You may book directly with the guide of your choice or call Ken at 240-447-2206. kenpenrod@comcast.net.
• $200 nonrefundable deposit—you do not get the money back if you fail to keep your appointment for any reason. If you fail to keep your date with Ken—you will pay full amount. If safety issues dictates a postponement, you promise to reschedule within the calendar year or lose your deposit. We cannot accept your booking if you do not agree with this aspect. Deposits are mandatory for all accounts unless Ken approves otherwise. Send deposits to Ken Penrod, 1860 Robin Court, Lusby, MD 20867. We reserve the right to move your trip to another water is necessary.
• Credit card service is not available.
• Only we can change the date—we fish rain or shine
• You must sign our standard “waiver of claims.”
• Balance due at the end of the trip in cash or check. No CC,
• Fee: $450 plus expense (include gasoline, launch fees, lost or broken tackle/lures) Average expense is $50-$75 but Joe Biden is your gasoline hog.
• ½ day trips available from time to time at $350 plus expense.
• Tips: common practice, 10-20%.
• Be sure to pay Johnny the parking fees and support his store.

Items to bring
• Warm, dry waterproof clothing, hat, gloves and shoes. Gore-Tex outer is best for winter, spring & fall. We recommend Simms. Face protection & hand warmers a plus for early season.
• Spinning or baitcasting rods with 8# test mono. You may purchase Ardent rods and reels from Riverfront Campground. Medium to medium-heavy, graphite rods are best. Good quality reel with at least 5/1 gear ratio are suggested. Please—no ultra-light gear. Baitcasting (12# best most situations) good for open water. Fly guys welcomed when guide is available.
• If you don’t have rods, use ours @ $10 each. That pays for the line you will lose. You must pay for loss or damage and can range from $150 to $500.
• Lunch and drinks in a SMALL cooler
• Small tackle box—show it to the guide before launching. Buy your plastics and RAB jig heads at the campground. Jerk baits and other hard lures are expensive. Johnny carries some but ask your guide which to buy.
• Your PA fishing license need not be visible according to PA law.
• Sun Screen—and if you are taking prescription medicine, advise your guide.
• Camera in a waterproof case. We take plenty of photos and will email them.
• Fingernail clipper on a neck lanyard—very important, for changing lures.
• Hook removal tool such as Handyman or plyers.
• Polarized sun glasses (very important)
• Good attitude because a grumpy client may be sent home without refund.
• USCG approved Life Jacket—especially if you are very large or small

Artificial Lures We Use
• 2.75 to 4-inch Campground Special Tubes and Mizmo Tubes (available at Riverfront Campground). We prefer the KP Series in various colors including green pumpkin, Penrod/Purple, KP Rose; KP Candy; Buzz Kill, road kill camo, Vida Blue, Irish coffee and Red Craw are Mizmo favorites.
• 1/8 and ¼ jig RAB heads—available at Riverfront Campground
• Big Mouth Lure Co (when water temps are over 55-degrees (www.bigmouthlures.com)
• Rapala or Luhr Jensen crankbaits in crawfish pattern for 4-6 feet
• Rapala X-RAP jerk baits. These are expensive but invaluable.
• Case Magic Stiks and Magic Swims (www.Fishingcomplete.com)

What to Expect
• 100% effort from our guides
• How well you do on your day depends upon the weather, your skill level and the attitude of the fish.
• We start at 7 or 8-AM and we return to the launch in 7ish hours unless our trolling motor batteries fail due to strong current or wind. You may request an earlier “quit” at no reduction in fee. Start times are subject to change.
• The dangers on this water exceed most others. You must obey the guide.
• We are a catch & release operation. No exceptions for bass.

On The Water
• You must wear your life jacket when the motor is running—and at all times if you have physical impairments. Youngsters MUST wear at all times.
• When the boat is running—set in your seat with your feet firmly on the floor—looking straight ahead. Do not move around and do not talk.
• Please do not stand on the decks. Anglers must be on the floor of the boat.
• Please do not cast over other’s line. Stay in your “zone.”
• Please fish from the same side of the boat. Your guide will advise you.
• Do not clutter the boat. This is a safety factor.
• Absolutely no alcohol or illegal drugs. We reserve the right to cease any trip if we feel that to continue would be dangerous. There are no refunds or discounts.
• I insist that my guides fish. Watch him for technique. He will never “hog” a hole.
• Do not “relieve yourself” without advising the guide. He may have to move to a safer area to allow that.

This is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a “heads up” to aid your adventure. We offer many other destinations in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Ken also operates a summer youth camp for boys between 12-16 years old during the month of July.
Ken’s books on fishing are must-reads. See our Facebook Page for much more information @ Facebook/Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited. The Ken Penrod 20-Inch Club is an elite group of anglers, catching a smallmouth bass of 20-inches or more. We will not bend the rule, even for 1/8th inch. Must be caught during a gui