Susquehanna River Biology Report Official Data Breakdown w/ PA Biologist Geoffrey Smith

On this data-driven episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on PA Biologist Geoffrey Smith as we break down the Susquehanna River smallmouth bass fishery using real insights from biologists and the latest 2025 survey data to give you a true Susquehanna River fishing report heading into 2026. If you’re serious about river smallmouth fishing, tournament kayak fishing, or preparing for your next Bassmaster kayak tournament, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

We dive deep into the Middle Susquehanna, Lower Susquehanna, North Branch, and Juniata River systems, explaining how each section fishes differently and what that means for kayak bass fishing strategy, smallmouth bass patterns, and tournament success. Using electrofishing data and population metrics, we analyze catch rates (CPUE), size structure, and age class distribution to show you exactly where the fishery stands today and how it impacts your time on the water.

According to the latest fisheries management data, all major sections of the river are currently meeting their biological objectives—meaning the Susquehanna River smallmouth population is stable, healthy, and producing strong year classes . We break down what that actually means for anglers, including why the river continues to be one of the best destinations on the East Coast for smallmouth bass fishing, kayak fishing tournaments, and multi-fish limit events.

Beyond bass, we touch on emerging opportunities in the Susquehanna system, including:

• A growing concern over flathead catfish expanding upstream 
• The return of walleye stocking programs 
• Ongoing evaluation of muskellunge stocking and growth rates 

If you’re into smallmouth bass fishing, kayak bass tournaments, river bass fishing techniques, fishing reports, and tournament strategy, this is one of the most important breakdowns we’ve ever done.

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Pennsylvania Wildlife & Games Commission Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/where-to-fish/biologist-reports 

Contact Geoffrey Smith at: [email protected] 

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