Night Catfish Fishing Middletown PA River Trip

Night Catfish Fishing on the Susquehanna River

Captain Jeremy's got something special waiting for you on the Susquehanna River – a night catfish adventure that'll have you hooked from the first bite. Picture this: the sun's setting over Middletown, PA, and you're stepping aboard a solid 16' Weldcraft boat ready to chase some serious channel cats under the stars. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's prime time for catfish, when these whisker warriors come alive and start feeding heavy. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who's never held a rod, Jeremy's got the know-how to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

Your night starts at 7:00 PM sharp from South Union Street in Middletown, where you'll meet Jeremy and get the lowdown on what's about to happen. You've got two solid options here – a 4-hour trip for $300 or stretch it out to 6 hours for $400. Both are private charters, so it's just you, your buddy, and the captain. No crowds, no strangers – just quality fishing time. Jeremy's boat comes loaded with everything you need: rods that can handle the fight, tackle that's proven on this stretch of river, and all the gear to keep you comfortable while you wait for that telltale tug. The Susquehanna's got a reputation for producing some chunky catfish, and nighttime is when they drop their guard and start hunting. Jeremy knows exactly where they hang out – the deep holes, current breaks, and structure that holds fish year-round. Kids are more than welcome, but they'll need to keep those life vests on the whole time. Safety first, fish second. And don't forget your Pennsylvania fishing license – you'll need it before you wet a line.

Tactics That Get Results

Night catfish fishing is all about patience and the right approach, and Jeremy's dialed in the system that works on the Susquehanna. You'll be anchoring up on productive spots where the current creates feeding lanes and catfish patrol for easy meals. The technique here is straightforward but effective – we're talking about bottom fishing with the kind of baits that drive channel cats crazy. Fresh cut bait, chicken livers, and sometimes live offerings depending on what's working that week. Jeremy sets you up with circle hooks that hook fish clean and make releasing easy if you want to let the big mamas go. The rod setup is key too – you need something with enough backbone to pull a hefty cat off the bottom but sensitive enough to feel those subtle bites. When a catfish picks up your bait, they don't always slam it like a bass. Sometimes it's just a gentle tap-tap-tap before they commit. Jeremy teaches you to read these signs and know exactly when to set the hook. The boat positioning is crucial too – we're not just randomly dropping lines. Jeremy uses his fish finder and years of experience to put you over the right structure at the right depth.

Channel Catfish Breakdown

Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Susquehanna River fishing, and for good reason – they're abundant, they fight hard, and they taste fantastic on the dinner table. These fish are most active during low-light periods, which makes your evening departure time perfect for connecting with quality fish. Channel cats in the Susquehanna typically run anywhere from 2 to 15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 20-plus showing up to make your night. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictable nature – one minute you're sitting quiet, enjoying the peace of the river, and the next your rod's bent double with a fish that's determined to take all your line. They're strong fighters that use the current to their advantage, making long powerful runs that'll test your drag system. The best part about channel catfish is they're cooperative year-round, but night fishing really brings out their aggressive side. During summer months, they move into shallower water after dark to feed, putting them right in our wheelhouse. These fish are opportunistic feeders, meaning they'll eat just about anything that smells right – from natural forage like shad and crayfish to the prepared baits we bring along. What anglers love most is the variety – you never know if the next bite is going to be a scrappy 3-pounder or a true trophy that'll have you talking for years.

Time to Book Your Spot

Jeremy's night catfish trips are becoming the go-to experience for anglers who want to try something different on the Susquehanna River. You're getting a top-rated captain who knows this water like the back of his hand, a fully equipped boat that's comfortable and safe, and the kind of personalized attention you can only get on a private charter. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just get away from the daily grind, this trip delivers exactly what you're after. The 4-hour option gives you a solid taste of night fishing action, while the 6-hour trip lets you really settle in and maximize your time on productive water. Either way, you're fishing prime hours when catfish are most active and aggressive. Don't wait too long to secure your date – Jeremy's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season. Grab your Pennsylvania fishing license, bring a cooler for your catch, and get ready to experience the Susquehanna River like most people never do. This is the kind of fishing adventure that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.