Summer Smallies: Local Creeks

As the temperatures get hotter, many of the tributaries transition from trout waters to smallmouth habitat. To give the trout a rest, I have started smallmouth fishing a lot more this summer. This series, Summer Smallies, will highlight techniques and fisheries, detailing the different opportunities that anglers have to target smallmouth. These stories will range from fishing small creeks to major rivers, after work wade trips to day long drifts. The summer can be one of the best seasons for smallmouth and it is my goal to shed light on some of our experiences.

With the summer sun setting later and later, I have been able to get out on the creeks more often after work. It is nice after a long day of sitting at a desk to get outside and sling some streamers around. Recently, I have been taking advantage of the Susquehanna River tributaries in Lancaster County that are only about 15 minutes from my apartment. It is easy to get a few hours of fishing in before the sun sets and there are some decently sized smallmouth that call these creeks home.

Many of these creeks don’t hold the massive smallmouth bass that the bigger rivers in the region are known for. However, a 2 pound smallmouth can still be a lot of fun on a fly rod. I have had a lot of success throwing articulated streamers, clouser minnows, and poppers in the slower sections of pools and targeting the foam lines. If you are conventional fishing, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and smaller craw presentations work best. Although the fish may be small, it is not uncommon to catch 10 to 15 smallmouth in only a few hours.

It can be a challenge to make time for fishing. Don’t forget about the smaller creeks and rivers in your area. The fish might not be as big, but it can still be a good reset after a day of work. If you do happen to catch a big one, it is a lot more fun on a small creek.