What You'll Find at Susquehanna State Park

Susquehanna State Park sits along the Susquehanna River just north of Havre de Grace and gives you access to one of the most productive fisheries on the East Coast without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots. The park spans over 2,600 acres and includes multiple boat launches, shoreline access, and a dam pool that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and shad depending on the season. The river here is wide and relatively slow, which means you can fish it from a boat, kayak, or on foot from the bank — each approach works for different species and times of year.

The park's main draw for anglers is the Conowingo Dam pool, which backs up water for several miles and creates stable conditions that hold fish year-round. Unlike tidal sections downriver, this pool is freshwater, so the species mix and seasonal patterns are predictable once you learn them. Access is straightforward: you can launch a boat at the park's ramp, walk the shoreline, or fish from the rocks and banks without a permit beyond your Maryland fishing license.

Key Takeaways

  • Susquehanna State Park has two main boat launches and extensive shoreline access, so you can fish from a boat, kayak, or on foot depending on what species you're after.
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass bite year-round in the dam pool, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • Shad run through the pool in spring (April through May), and catfish are reliable in summer and early fall from the bank at night.
  • The park charges a day-use fee, and you'll need a valid Maryland fishing license; boat launch fees are separate from park admission.
  • Water level and dam discharge schedules affect fish location and feeding, so checking the Conowingo Dam release schedule before you go improves your odds.

Boat Launches and Where to Fish from a Boat

The park operates two boat launches: the main ramp near the park office on Stafford Road and a secondary launch at the Susquehanna River State Park area. Both are concrete, well-maintained, and open year-round during daylight hours. The main launch is the busier of the two and has parking for trailers, though on weekends during spring and fall you may need to arrive early. The secondary launch is quieter and works well if you're launching a kayak or small boat.

Once on the water, the dam pool stretches upriver for several miles and offers different structure depending on where you fish. The area directly below the dam holds the most current and attracts shad in spring and smallmouth bass in fall. The middle sections of the pool have deeper water and submerged timber, which hold largemouth bass and catfish. The upper sections near the Conowingo Dam's intake are shallower and warmer in summer, making them good for largemouth bass in early morning and evening.

Boat traffic can be heavy on weekends, especially during spring and early fall, so weekday mornings offer calmer water and better fishing. The park does not restrict boat size or type, but the pool is relatively narrow in places, so watch for other anglers and respect the no-wake zones near the shoreline.

Shoreline and Bank Fishing

If you don't have a boat, the park's shoreline gives you solid access to bass and catfish. The rocks and banks along the main park area are fishable from shore, and the walking paths let you cover different sections without paying a launch fee. Early morning and evening are best for largemouth bass from the bank, especially in spring and fall when they move shallow to feed.

Catfish fishing from the bank is a summer and early fall game here. Fish the deeper holes and current breaks at night with chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait, and you'll connect with channel cats and flatheads. The park allows night fishing, but bring a headlamp and stay aware of your surroundings. Bank access is free once you've paid the day-use fee, and there's no separate launch charge.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) is prime time for shad and smallmouth bass. American shad move upriver to spawn starting in April, and they'll hit small shad darts and spoons in the current near the dam. Smallmouth bass follow the shad run and feed aggressively in the faster water. Largemouth bass also move shallow to spawn in April and May, so topwater and shallow-running crankbaits work well in the coves and along the banks.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite for bass as the water warms, but catfish become the main target. Night fishing with live or cut bait produces channel cats and flatheads consistently. Largemouth bass are still catchable early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow unless you fish deep structure in the middle of the pool.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite for both largemouth and smallmouth bass as the water cools and fish move back to deeper structure. Crankbaits, jigs, and live shiners work well. Shad are moving downriver again, so the area near the dam stays active. This is often the best time to fish the park if you want consistent action and fewer crowds than spring.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Largemouth bass hold in deeper water and around structure, and they'll bite slowly moving jigs and live bait. Catfish are still active, especially on warmer days. Winter fishing requires patience, but the park is quieter and you'll have more room to explore.

Understanding Water Levels and Dam Releases

The Conowingo Dam controls water level in the pool, and dam releases affect where fish hold and how they feed. When the dam is releasing water, the current increases and fish move to slack water areas along the banks and in the coves. When the dam is not releasing, the pool is calmer and fish spread out more evenly. Checking the Conowingo Dam release schedule before you fish helps you predict where fish will be and what techniques will work.

You can find the dam release schedule on the Exelon website or by calling the Conowingo Dam office. Heavy releases can make the pool dangerous for small boats and kayaks, so plan your trip accordingly. Light releases or no releases are ideal for kayak fishing and bank access.

Park Facilities and Practical Information

Susquehanna State Park charges a day-use fee (the amount varies by season and vehicle type) and is open from sunrise to sunset. The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and a small visitor center near the main entrance. There is no on-site bait shop, so bring your own tackle and bait or plan to stop in Havre de Grace before you arrive.

A valid Maryland fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area. The park allows fishing year-round, but check the current regulations for bass size and creel limits, as they can change.

Parking is available at both the main entrance and near the boat launches. The park can get crowded on weekends during peak season, so arrive early if you want a good spot. There is no overnight camping at the park, but several campgrounds are nearby in Havre de Grace and along the Susquehanna.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Susquehanna State Park is located at 3318 Stafford Road, Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078. From Havre de Grace, take Route 40 north and follow signs to the park entrance. The drive from downtown Havre de Grace is about 10 minutes. If you're coming from farther away, the park is about 45 minutes north of Baltimore and 30 minutes south of the Pennsylvania border.

If Susquehanna State Park is full or you want to explore other sections of the river, the Conowingo Dam area (just upriver) offers additional access, and the tidal sections near Havre de Grace have different species and seasonal patterns. The park's location makes it a good base for a day trip or a stop on a longer fishing tour of the Susquehanna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Susquehanna State Park?

No. The park has extensive shoreline and bank access, and you can fish for bass and catfish without launching a boat. Bank fishing is free once you pay the day-use fee, and it works well for catfish at night and largemouth bass in spring and fall.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most consistent action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spring also brings the shad run, which is exciting if you're targeting shad or smallmouth. Summer is slower for bass but good for catfish at night.

Can I fish at night?

Yes, the park allows night fishing. Bank fishing for catfish at night is productive in summer and early fall. Bring a headlamp and stay aware of your surroundings. Boat fishing at night is also allowed, but make sure your boat has proper lighting and you're familiar with the water.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your Maryland fishing license, appropriate tackle for the species you're targeting, and bait if you're planning to fish for catfish. There's no bait shop at the park, so buy bait in Havre de Grace before you arrive. Sunscreen, water, and snacks are also good ideas for a full day on the water.

How much does it cost to fish here?

The park charges a day-use fee (amount varies by season and vehicle type). Boat launch fees are separate and charged per launch. A Maryland fishing license is required and costs vary depending on whether you're a resident and what type of license you need.