What Kelly Drive offers and where to fish it
Kelly Drive runs along the Schuylkill River's east bank from the Art Museum north to the Girard Avenue Bridge, and it's one of the most consistent public access points in Philadelphia for carp, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass. The river here is tidal—meaning water level and current shift with the Delaware's rhythm—so timing matters more than on inland rivers. You can fish from the paved path itself, from the grassy banks where they exist, and from a few small pull-offs with direct water access.
The stretch is widest and deepest near the Art Museum end, where the current slows and deeper holes hold bigger catfish and carp. As you move north toward Girard, the river narrows and shallows, favoring smallmouth and sunfish. The entire drive is public land, and you won't need a permit to fish—only a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.
Key Takeaways
- Kelly Drive's tidal nature means water level and current change throughout the day, so check tide tables before you go and plan for slack water if you're targeting carp or catfish.
- The Art Museum end holds the deepest water and the most consistent catfish; the northern sections near Girard are shallower and better for smallmouth and panfish.
- You can fish from the paved path and grassy banks, but pull-offs with direct access are limited and fill quickly on weekends.
- Spring and fall are most productive; summer heat pushes catfish and carp deeper, and winter cold slows the bite significantly.
Seasonal patterns and what bites when
Spring (April through May) is peak season on Kelly Drive. As water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, carp move into shallower water to feed, and catfish become active throughout the day. Smallmouth also wake up and move off the deeper structure. You'll see the most consistent action during the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset, when light is low and fish move into feeding zones.
Summer (June through August) is slower. Water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s, and catfish and carp retreat to the deepest holes, mostly feeding at night. Smallmouth remain active but require more precise casting to structure—fallen trees, pilings, and the deeper ledges. Many local anglers shift to early morning or evening sessions to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Water cools back into the 60s and 50s, and all three species feed aggressively to prepare for winter. This is when you'll see the heaviest carp and the most active smallmouth. Winter (November through February) is slow; water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and fish become lethargic. A few dedicated anglers fish for catfish on mild days, but most move to other water.
Tides, current, and timing your visit
Kelly Drive sits in tidal water, which means the Schuylkill's flow reverses twice daily as the Delaware River's tide pushes upstream. This is the single biggest variable on this stretch. During incoming tide (flood), water pushes upriver and slows or reverses the current; during outgoing tide (ebb), water drains back toward the Delaware and current accelerates downstream. Slack water—the brief period between tide changes—is when current stops almost entirely.
For carp and catfish, slack water or the first hour of incoming tide is most productive. Fish feed more confidently when current is weak. For smallmouth, a moderate outgoing tide often produces better, as current brings food and oxygen. Check NOAA's tide predictions for Philadelphia before you go; the timing shifts daily, and planning around it will double your catch rate.
Water level also matters. After heavy rain upstream, the Schuylkill runs high and fast, pushing fish into slack-water pockets along the banks and behind structure. During dry spells, water drops and clears, making fish more cautious but easier to sight-fish for carp.
Access points and parking along Kelly Drive
The main entry point is the Art Museum parking lot at the north end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. From there, you can walk the paved path north along the river. Parking fills quickly on weekends, especially spring and fall. If the lot is full, street parking is available on nearby residential blocks, though you'll walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the water.
A second access point sits near the Girard Avenue Bridge, where a small pull-off allows direct access to the water. This spot is less crowded than the Art Museum end but offers shallower water and fewer big fish. A third option is the Fairmount Water Works parking area, just south of the Art Museum; it's smaller and fills early, but it puts you directly on the river.
The paved path itself is open dawn to dusk and is heavily used by joggers and cyclists, especially on weekends. Fish early or late to avoid crowds and to catch feeding fish. The grassy banks north of the Art Museum offer more privacy but less stable footing, especially after rain.
What to fish with and what works best
For carp, use corn, dough balls, or pack bait in a mesh bag. Cast near the banks where carp root for food, especially during slack water. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and short leader works well in tidal current. Carp here run 5 to 15 pounds on average, with occasional fish pushing 20 pounds.
For channel catfish, chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink bait all produce. Fish the deeper holes near the Art Museum end, especially at dusk and after dark. A basic slip-sinker rig keeps bait on bottom where catfish hunt. Catfish here are typically 2 to 5 pounds, though 8-pounders show up regularly.
For smallmouth, small crankbaits, tube jigs, and soft plastics work best. Cast along the banks, around fallen trees, and near the pilings that support the bridges. Smallmouth here average 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action.
Rules, regulations, and what you need to know
You must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish Kelly Drive. A one-day license costs less than $10 and is available online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most sporting goods stores. No special permit is required for this stretch.
Catch-and-release is encouraged for all species, though you may keep carp and catfish if you choose. Check current size and creel limits on the Fish and Boat Commission website before you go, as regulations can change. The stretch is open year-round, but the paved path itself closes at dusk, so plan to be off the water by dark.
Respect other users of the path—joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers share the space. Keep your gear compact and stay aware of foot traffic, especially on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Kelly Drive at night?
The paved path closes at dusk, so technically you cannot fish the main path after dark. However, some anglers fish from the grassy banks or pull-offs in the early evening before full dark. Check local regulations and be aware that visibility is poor and the area is less populated at night.
What's the best tide for fishing here?
Slack water (the period between tide changes) is best for carp and catfish because current is weakest and fish feed more confidently. The first hour of incoming tide also produces well. Outgoing tide can work for smallmouth but pushes carp and catfish into deeper, harder-to-reach spots.
Do I need a boat to fish Kelly Drive?
No. The entire stretch is fishable from shore. You can cast from the paved path, the grassy banks, and the pull-offs. A boat would give you access to deeper water and more structure, but it's not necessary for consistent carp and catfish fishing.
Is Kelly Drive crowded on weekends?
Yes, especially spring and fall. The paved path is heavily used by joggers and cyclists, and parking fills quickly. Fish early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to catch more active fish. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
What size fish can I expect?
Carp average 5 to 15 pounds, catfish 2 to 5 pounds, and smallmouth 10 to 14 inches. Larger fish are possible but less common. Spring and fall produce the biggest fish and the most consistent action.