Pennsylvania Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charters

Pennsylvania Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charters

Top Pennsylvania Smallmouth Bass Fishing Destinations

Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charters in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania: 16 fishing charters available
Just listed
Middletown
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(44 reviews)
Fairview
trips from US $425
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(23 reviews)
Harrisburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $450
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(2 reviews)
Warren
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $300

Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania

Smallmouth Bass
  • Size 1 - 4 lbs
  • Food Value Excellent
  • Game Qualities Good
  • Habitats Lake, River

(Micropterus dolomieu)

From small, private ponds, to rivers and large lakes, Pennsylvania offers Bass fishing all around the state. Two main species you’re going to find here are Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. They are aggressive fighters that often jump out of the water or make things harder for anglers by diving under the boat.
 
If you’re not sure what’s on your hook and it fights like crazy...it’s probably Bass.
 

When and where?

The Susquehanna River is a well-known spot for great Bass fishing. This river ranks as one of the best fishing spots in Pennsylvania due to the smooth flowing water. Your fishing spot depends on the type of Bass you want to catch – Smallmouth Bass prefer rocky bottoms and flowing water, whereas Largemouth Bass stick to static water with soft bottoms and aquatic weeds.
 
If you’re fishing at Lake Erie, the best time to go is late September and October. Smallmouth Bass feed heavily as they prepare for the spawning season. To find them faster, focus on fishing around underwater ledges, drop-offs, and any other spots where the depth suddenly changes.  Largemouth Bass are not present in the open waters of the lake.
 

How to Catch Bass?

You can catch Bass using a variety of live bait, topwater poppers, and fast-moving spinners. Most of their diet consists of crawfish, so the best way to get a bite from Bass is by using a crawfish imitation. To make the most out of this lure, add rattles to imitate the clicking sound crawfish make. You can also pull off the pinchers from the bait, as this will make it look defenseless and Bass won’t hesitate to attack.
 
Bass are about a good ambush, not the chase. They’re aggressive feeders but they won’t go long distances after their food.
 
Fly fishing for Bass in Lake Erie is having a breakthrough. This is not an easy task and it requires some experience, or simply lots of persistence. What makes fly fishing harder in the lake is that Bass are not always in shallow waters. To avoid this, come to the lake in springtime, when they leave their hiding spots in deep waters.
 

Regulations

  • All anglers in Pennsylvania must have a valid fishing license.
  • From April 13 to June 14, the annual No Harvest period is in force.
  • Harvesting regulations depend on the season and the region. Make sure to check the regulations of the state region you’ll be fishing in. In general, if you’re fishing rivers and streams during summer, you’re allowed to keep up to six Bass measuring at least 12 inches. Throughout the year, it’s mostly up to four Bass measuring 15 inches and longer.
 
Catching Bass can be tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s only for the pros. Take it easy, use traditional techniques, and even a novice can make the most of Pennsylvania Bass fishing.
 

Pennsylvania Smallmouth Bass Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Smallmouth Bass fishing in Pennsylvania varies moderately throughout the year. High season is August to November. Low season is January to February. There is no closed season.
Pennsylvania
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania

Be ready for a truly off shore experience! My first time on a Great Lake and was totally in awe of its massive size!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for a truly off shore experience! My first time on a Great Lake and was totally in awe of its massive size!
Hammertime Sportfishing
Hammertime Sportfishing
Fall trip leads to monster flatheads, dress warm the weather can turn after dark
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fall trip leads to monster flatheads, dress warm the weather can turn after dark
Predator Getter Outdoors
Predator Getter Outdoors Houston, Texas
Make sure you check weather conditions. Can change quick and doesn't always match the forecast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you check weather conditions. Can change quick and doesn't always match the forecast.
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing Irwin, Pennsylvania
If you go out with Capt Todd your arms will be very sore the next day. Non stop fish on. Best day of fishing in my life.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you go out with Capt Todd your arms will be very sore the next day. Non stop fish on. Best day of fishing in my life.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing Dallas, PA
Be mindful of the wind as too much wind will cause you not to be able to fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be mindful of the wind as too much wind will cause you not to be able to fish.
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing Amherst, VA
Be aware that the weather in July can be fickle. Unfortunately for our schedules the lake tells you when you can fish, but don't let that discourage you, the walleye are worth it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be aware that the weather in July can be fickle. Unfortunately for our schedules the lake tells you when you can fish, but don't let that discourage you, the walleye are worth it!
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters New Columbia, PA
I was able to stay busy all day catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with the occasional bluegill. If you're looking for a fun day on the water, this is a good spot to go fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I was able to stay busy all day catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with the occasional bluegill. If you're looking for a fun day on the water, this is a good spot to go fishing.
Shallow Water Fishing Adventuresโ€”PA
Shallow Water Fishing Adventuresโ€”PA Port Huron, MI
This is the way to go. Nothing to stress about or supply. Just have your license in order and show up on time for a great day. We three limited out on walleyes and Jamie and James, his mate and son, filleted everything up afterwards.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is the way to go. Nothing to stress about or supply. Just have your license in order and show up on time for a great day. We three limited out on walleyes and Jamie and James, his mate and son, filleted everything up afterwards.
Riptide Fishing Charters
Riptide Fishing Charters
First timers better be ready to catch a lot of fish when fishing in Lake Erie!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
First timers better be ready to catch a lot of fish when fishing in Lake Erie!
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing Fombell, PA
A quality fishing experience for some the best eating fresh water fish anywhere.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
A quality fishing experience for some the best eating fresh water fish anywhere.
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters Shinglehouse, PA
The fish were shallower than captain expected.once targeted the fishing was good till we started west then fishing slowed down.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The fish were shallower than captain expected.once targeted the fishing was good till we started west then fishing slowed down.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing Petrolia, PA
Call Captain Lynn Nickeson and he will put you exactly where you need to be on the river to catch fish until your arms hurt.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Call Captain Lynn Nickeson and he will put you exactly where you need to be on the river to catch fish until your arms hurt.
Endless Mountains Guide Service
Endless Mountains Guide Service Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Book a trip with Captain Lynn. Endless Mountain Guide! Canโ€™t go wrong and will have a day to remember.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a trip with Captain Lynn. Endless Mountain Guide! Canโ€™t go wrong and will have a day to remember.
Endless Mountains Guide Service
Endless Mountains Guide Service North Wales, PA
Beautiful scenery!! Caught lots of fish. Had a wonderful time. We will definitely be returning!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Beautiful scenery!! Caught lots of fish. Had a wonderful time. We will definitely be returning!
Endless Mountains Guide Service
Endless Mountains Guide Service North Wales, PA
Do your research but definitely recommend Captain dawn of you want to catch the big fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Do your research but definitely recommend Captain dawn of you want to catch the big fish!
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Show up early on weekend because there is a line to get into marina we were in line for 45 minutes
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Show up early on weekend because there is a line to get into marina we were in line for 45 minutes
Old Timer Charters โ€“ Lake Erie
Old Timer Charters โ€“ Lake Erie Gordon, PA
We caught limit, water was perfect temp per Captain Ross. He used a fish finder and we fished not far from shore. We trolled, he had several kinds of bait and lures.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We caught limit, water was perfect temp per Captain Ross. He used a fish finder and we fished not far from shore. We trolled, he had several kinds of bait and lures.
Barr None Fishing
Barr None Fishing Youngsville, Pennsylvania
Get an experienced guide who will clean your catch for you. Get there early and have fun!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get an experienced guide who will clean your catch for you. Get there early and have fun!
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing Penn Run, Pennsylvania
Not a lot of shade obviously so come prepared to shield yourself from the sun. Also, the Oliver Pub & Grill has awesome food
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not a lot of shade obviously so come prepared to shield yourself from the sun. Also, the Oliver Pub & Grill has awesome food
Endless Mountains Guide Service
Endless Mountains Guide Service Media, Pennsylvania
Stay hydrated and the more fun you and your gang have the better they crew support you!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Stay hydrated and the more fun you and your gang have the better they crew support you!
Bandit Sportfishing Charters
Bandit Sportfishing Charters Carlisle, PA