Juniata River

3 Fishing Charters

Top Fishing Charters in Juniata River

Fishing in Juniata River

What better way to discover the rich nature of central Pennsylvania than by fishing the Juniata River? This 104-mile-long waterway winds its way through mountain ridges before emptying into the Susquehanna, giving you the chance to escape to the country and get your fish on in perfect isolation.

Ask any local angler about fishing here and you’ll get one response – Smallmouth Bass. These tough-fighting creatures are revered all over the country, but nowhere quite like in central PA. Fly anglers and conventional spinners seek out the best spots from shore, boat, or by kayak to take advantage of these beauties’ bite, with the chance of also landing Walleye, Catfish, Musky, and more!

Most professional Juniata River fishing guides like to make the most of the water, so you’d better get ready to spend at least six hours fishing. Hit a range of fishing grounds as you follow the fish to their hiding spots, working your way from the Susquehanna to the mountains and back.

The Juniata joins the second-longest river in Pennsylvania at Duncannon, making this delightful town an excellent spot from which to explore the two bodies of water. Harrisburg is also a favorite launching point for anglers, while the more adventurous among you can explore remote spots in the north-west with an experienced guide.

Rules & Regulations

Before fishing the Juniata River, you’ll need to get a PA fishing license. Grab yours online or from any licensed vendor and you’re good to go. You should also be aware that Smallmouth season lasts from mid-June until December 1, with varying bag limits depending on the time of year.

Juniata River
4.63

Based on 18426 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Juniata River Fishing Seasons

January

Start the year as you mean to go on, with an exciting adventure in some of Pennsylvania’s most productive fishing grounds. Explore the winding waterways of the Juniata River and get your fish on!

February

Wrap up warm and head to the Juniata River for some rod-bending action. The colder months are when you have the best chance of landing something other than Bass, so go after Walleye, Musky, and more.

March

It’s all going on come March in central Pennsylvania, with the spawning season upon us. Rock Bass and Walleye are biting like never before, while you can still find the last of the Muskies too.

April

Spring has sprung and new life shines down upon the freshwater fishing grounds of Pennsylvania. Get ready for some catch-and-release action against the resurgent Smallmouths, along with plenty of delicious Panfish.

May

Smallmouth season is about to kick off in earnest, so get ready to test your skills on the Juniata River. You’ll still need to release your fish, but you’ll be ready to fill the boat when the restrictions are lifted.

June

Anglers all across Pennsylvania are counting down the days until mid-June, when you can finally take some Smallmouth Bass home with you. Join them as the season gets going to get your first fill.

July

The warmer weather means you can spend more time on the water, going after some of the Keystone State’s most prized fish. Catfish hit their peak, providing Smallmouth Bass with a worthy supporting cast.

August

Bring the whole family along and make a vacation out of your fishing adventure. Hit the Juniata and Susquehanna, or head to the mountain ridges in search of prized Smallmouth Bass, as you get the kids hooked.

September

There’s no sign of the fishing slowing down, even though the number of tourists is starting to dwindle. Go after Smallmouth Bass and Catfish for the last time, while Walleye make a resurgence, too.

October

With the changing weather, you may think that now’s not a good time to go fishing, but you’d be wrong. There’s never a bad time on the Juniata River, so come and get your fill of exciting, delicious fish.

November

While advanced anglers turn their attention to the mountain streams to target the spawning Trout population, you can still hop aboard a charter. Make the most of the end of the Smallmouth season and fill the freezer.

December

You’ve probably stocked up plenty of delicious fish to see you through the holiday period, but don’t let that stop you from getting out on the water. Muskies make a comeback, giving you plenty to aim for.

Juniata River Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!

Please Wait...

What People Are Saying About Juniata River

A Great Day... Midsummer Bass Fishing with Dave

John F. fished with Goin4smallies Guide Service - Pennsylvania on July 25, 2020

Pick cooler weather for bigger bass. July is not the best time, although our guide made it a great experience. And hire a guide who knows his way around the rivers there to ensure you have the best chance to catch the fish you're after.

May fishing trip

George M. fished with Goin4smallies Guide Service - Pennsylvania on May 30, 2020

Use Mr Bruchey as their fishing guide and he’ll show you how to catch smallmouth bass. Pound for pound the strongest freshwater fish I’ve caught and the scenery along the Susquehanna River is amazing