Morning Catfish Trip on Susquehanna River

Morning Catfish Adventure on Susquehanna River

There's something special about getting on the water early, when the mist is still hanging over the Susquehanna and the fish are actively feeding. Captain Jeremy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why the Susquehanna River around Middletown has become a customer favorite for catfish anglers. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – you're looking at a private 6-hour morning trip for just you and one other person aboard his well-equipped 16' Weldcraft. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's never held a fishing rod, Jeremy's got the patience and know-how to make sure you have a productive day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Your morning starts at 8:00 AM sharp from South Union Street in Middletown, where you'll meet Captain Jeremy and get acquainted with your ride for the day. The 16' Weldcraft might not be the biggest boat on the river, but it's perfectly sized for navigating the productive catfish holes that larger vessels can't reach. Jeremy's got all the rods and tackle sorted, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your Pennsylvania fishing license and a positive attitude. The intimate setting means you get personalized attention throughout the trip – no fighting for the guide's time or competing with a dozen other anglers for the best spots. Families especially love this setup because kids get the one-on-one instruction they need to actually learn something, and parents can relax knowing their little ones are required to wear life vests for the entire trip. The Susquehanna around Middletown offers a mix of deeper channels and shallower flats, giving Jeremy plenty of options depending on where the fish are holding on any given day.

Catfish Tactics & River Know-How

Captain Jeremy's approach to catfish fishing is all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish want on that particular morning. The Susquehanna's current creates natural feeding lanes where baitfish get swept along, and that's where the channel cats like to set up shop. You'll be using a combination of anchored fishing in the deeper holes and some drift fishing along structure-rich areas where logs and rocks create ambush points. Jeremy provides all the terminal tackle, which typically includes circle hooks in various sizes, egg sinkers, and swivels – the tried-and-true setup that produces day after day on this river. Bait selection varies with the season and water conditions, but you can expect to use everything from nightcrawlers and chicken liver to cut bait when the cats are being picky. The beauty of fishing with someone who knows these waters intimately is that Jeremy can adjust techniques on the fly. If the fish aren't responding to bottom fishing, he might switch to a sliding sinker rig or move to a completely different section of river. The 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to try different approaches and really dial in what's working.

Top Catches This Season

Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Susquehanna River fishing, and for good reason. These fish are abundant, aggressive feeders, and they put up a respectable fight that keeps things interesting without being overwhelming for newer anglers. In the Middletown area, channel cats typically run anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds, with the occasional surprise fish pushing into double digits. What makes channel catfish so appealing is their willingness to bite throughout the morning hours – unlike some species that shut down once the sun gets high, these cats will often feed actively well into the late morning. The Susquehanna's channel cats are known for their clean, hard runs when hooked, and they're notorious for making multiple attempts to wrap your line around whatever structure they can find. Spring and early summer are prime time, when the fish are staging in predictable locations and feeding heavily to recover from the spawn. During these peak periods, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more fish during your 6-hour trip. What really gets anglers excited is the consistent action – channel catfish don't have the mood swings of some other species, so you can count on steady fishing throughout the morning.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a genuine river fishing experience that combines expert local knowledge with the kind of personal attention you just can't get on larger charters, this morning catfish trip delivers exactly that. Captain Jeremy's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and the fact that he keeps his trips small means you're getting premium guide service at a reasonable price point. The 6-hour duration strikes the perfect balance – long enough to really get into the fishing and try multiple spots, but not so long that less experienced anglers or kids get worn out. Plus, finishing up in the early afternoon leaves you plenty of time to grab lunch in Middletown and maybe explore some of the local attractions. Whether you're visiting the area or you're a local looking to experience the Susquehanna from a different perspective, this trip offers genuine value. The combination of Jeremy's expertise, the private boat setting, and the Susquehanna's reliable catfish population creates the kind of fishing experience that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – the best morning slots tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak catfish season when the action is at its hottest.