Premium Shad Run Fishing on Delaware & Susquehanna Rivers
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
4hour guided shad fishing on Delaware and Susquehanna RiversMultiple departure times accommodate different schedules dailyAll gear and tackle provided for spinning techniques
When the shad start their legendary spring run up Pennsylvania's Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers, there's no better way to get in on the action than with guide Dwayne Eckhart. This 4-hour river fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Pennsylvania's most productive waters during peak season. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to dial in your shad techniques or a newcomer wanting to experience one of the East Coast's most exciting seasonal fisheries, this trip delivers the goods. With multiple departure times at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM, you can pick the slot that works best for your schedule and fishing preferences.
This isn't your typical pond fishing trip – we're talking serious river fishing where the current runs strong and the fish fight harder. Dwayne knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning you in the sweet spots where shad stack up during their spawning migration. The Delaware and Susquehanna offer completely different fishing experiences, from the Delaware's deeper pools and rocky structure to the Susquehanna's varied current breaks and gravel bars. You'll be fishing from prime locations where multiple species congregate, so while we're targeting the seasonal shad run, don't be surprised when a hefty smallmouth bass or aggressive walleye crashes your party. The trip accommodates just two anglers, which means personalized instruction and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
We keep things simple and effective with spinning gear and light tackle that matches perfectly with river conditions. The beauty of this setup is that it works for everyone – whether you've been casting for decades or just picked up a rod last week. Dwayne provides all the professional-grade gear, plus a full selection of proven baits and lures that produce results on these rivers. Think small jigs, spinners, and soft plastics that trigger strikes from both migratory shad and resident gamefish. The light tackle approach means you'll feel every head shake and run, making even smaller fish feel like they're putting up a serious fight. River fishing requires different techniques than lake fishing – reading current seams, working structure, and adjusting your presentation as conditions change throughout the day.
Walleye in these Pennsylvania rivers are some of the most cooperative you'll find, especially during the spring months when water temperatures hit that magic 50-60 degree range. These marble-eyed fighters love the current breaks and deeper holes, and they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented jig. Spring walleye run anywhere from 14 to 24 inches, with the occasional wall-hanger pushing 28 inches or better. What makes walleye special here is their willingness to bite during daylight hours – unlike their lake cousins that often shut down when the sun comes up.
Striped Bass are the river's heavyweight champions, and when one grabs your light tackle setup, you'll know it immediately. These silver rockets use the current to their advantage, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring stripers in Pennsylvania rivers typically range from 18 to 30 inches, though bigger fish are always possible. They're aggressive feeders during the shad run, often found in the same areas targeting the same baitfish. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – pure power combined with acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping.
Smallmouth Bass in moving water are a completely different animal than their lake-dwelling relatives. River smallies are bronze-backed bulldogs that use every rock, current seam, and structure to their advantage. These fish average 12 to 18 inches but fight like they're twice that size. Spring is prime time when they're moving shallow for the spawn, making them more accessible and aggressive. The Delaware and Susquehanna both hold excellent smallmouth populations, and they're notorious for crushing lures meant for other species.
Blue Catfish might not be the first species that comes to mind for Pennsylvania river fishing, but they're gaining serious momentum in both river systems. These whiskered warriors can reach impressive sizes – we're talking 20 to 40-pound fish that'll bend your rod in half. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from cut bait to artificials, and their fighting style is pure bulldogging power. Blue cats are most active during warmer months, but spring fishing can produce some surprising catches.
American Yellow Perch are the river's underrated gems, especially for anglers who appreciate quality table fare. These golden-striped beauties might not be the biggest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Spring perch fishing can be fast-paced action with fish running 8 to 14 inches. They're perfect for newer anglers to build confidence while experienced fishermen enjoy consistent action between bigger fish. Yellow perch often school up in predictable areas, leading to those memorable days where every cast produces a fish.
Pennsylvania's shad run doesn't last forever, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with local anglers who know what they're missing if they wait too long. Dwayne's been guiding these rivers long enough to know exactly when and where the fish will be, giving you the inside track on Pennsylvania's top-rated river fishing experience. All you need to bring is your valid Pennsylvania fishing license and whatever snacks or drinks you want for the day – everything else is covered. The 3-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility if weather doesn't cooperate, but honestly, some of the best fishing happens when conditions aren't picture-perfect. Multiple time slots mean you can pick the departure that matches your fishing style, whether you're an early bird chasing that first-light bite or prefer a more relaxed mid-morning start. This is river fishing at its finest, and spots book up quickly during peak season.
This 1998 SeaArk 18' aluminum fishing boat gets you right where the shad are running on Pennsylvania's Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. The 65HP Mercury engine delivers reliable power to reach prime fishing spots, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly without spooking fish. GPS navigation keeps you on productive water, and the fish finder helps locate schools moving through the river channels. Built for serious anglers, this specialized skiff handles Pennsylvania's river conditions with stability for two guests. The aluminum construction cuts through currents smoothly while maintaining the shallow draft needed for shad fishing hotspots. Whether you're targeting the seasonal run or working deeper holes for walleye and smallmouth bass, this boat puts you in position to connect with fish throughout your 4-hour charter.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are the perfect target for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. These golden fish with dark vertical bars typically run 7-10 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll often catch several. They prefer vegetated areas, docks, and structure in slower water sections of our rivers. Spring and fall are prime times, especially when they move shallow to feed. What makes perch popular is their willingness to bite and their sweet, flaky meat - some say they're the best eating fish in freshwater. They're also great for kids and beginners since they're aggressive biters. Local tip: use small jigs tipped with minnows or worms, and once you locate a school, work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the heavyweights of our river system, often reaching 20-50 pounds with that distinctive slate-blue coloring. These opportunistic feeders love deep holes, muddy bottoms, and areas where tidal creeks meet the main river. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they move shallow to feed. What draws anglers to blue cats is the potential for a true trophy - they grow huge and fight like bulldozers once hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild white meat. These fish are scavengers, so cut bait works best. Here's my local secret: fish the deepest holes you can find near structure, let your bait sit on the bottom, and be patient. When they bite, they usually commit fully.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the scrappiest fighters in our rivers. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-16 inches and love rocky bottoms, fallen timber, and current breaks. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are moderate - summer sends them deeper where they're tougher to locate. What makes smallies special is their attitude - they fight way above their weight class with acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs. They're also excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. These fish school up, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. My go-to tip: work your lure slow along rocky ledges and drop-offs. Smallmouth often hit on the fall, so watch your line closely as your bait sinks.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the powerhouse fish of our river system, often reaching 20-40 pounds with those classic horizontal stripes running down their silver sides. These anadromous fighters love moving water and hang around structure like bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky shorelines. They're most active during their spring migration when they're heading upriver to spawn, making late April through June our best window. What guests love about stripers is the raw power - they'll make your drag sing and test your arms. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, flaky white meat. Local trick: during our early morning trips, look for baitfish activity near the surface. When you see birds diving, cast live bait just outside the commotion.
Sander VitreusWalleye are some of the best eating fish you'll find in Pennsylvania's rivers. These golden-colored fish typically run 15-20 inches and have those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. They love rocky bottoms and deeper holes during the day, then move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are prime times when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. What makes walleye special is their fight - they're not flashy jumpers, but they pull hard and steady. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: focus on deeper drop-offs near rocky structure during our morning trips, then work the shallow flats as the sun gets low.
undefined, undefined