Fishing in Harford County

[zeeter]

I moved to Harford County a couple of years ago and decided I would try my hand at fishing. When in PA I was in a couple of bass clubs. I'm not an expert but I usually come away with one or two decent fish when I go out. I'm set up for bass, but am also interested in Pike family fish.

Anyway, I can't find anyplace to fish from shore near me. Reading this site, I heard about a quarry off of James Run. We drove by there last night and there was absolutely no access. Not even a place to park by the side of the road and walk.  The quarry-works were fenced and appeared to be off limits.

Was thinking of Conowingo or something, and I may try that, but I need shore fishing for now. Does anyone know of decent fishing holes that can be reached from the shoreline in Harford County? Specifically, I live in Aberdeen.

[bigjim5589]

Your best bet is Susquehanna State Park on the Susquehanna River. You can fish from shore along most of the distance between Lapidum Landing and Deer Creek. I used to fish a lot in the area where Deer Creek empties in the Susky, at Rock Run and in Deer Creek. There's fish all along there, but it can depend on the water flow from the dam how much success you might have.

There are supposed to be Pike in the Susky. I've never caught one myself. I have caught SM & LM Bass, plus Striped Bass in there along with the many panfish species and Catfish along that stretch.
There are Walleye in there too, but that's another species I've never caught. 

There's a fishing area just below Conowingo dam too, but it's had been many years since I've fished up there so not sure about the specifics now. I know I lost a lot of tackle up there with all the rocks, but caught some decent fish too.

If you give it a try, and the current from the dam is strong, work the area close to shore. That current tends to push a lot of fish in to the bank, and when they close the gates at the dam, and the water levels drop, they spread out. There are some deep holes along there too.

Whatever you do, be safe & be aware that river can be very dangerous when they open the gates at the dam, so if you hear sirens & you're out wading or rock hopping, get back to shore fast!

[MDstick]

I usually fished the Bush River from shore where there's some bridges on route 40.  I took my kayak out there also and had some luck.  You have to fish the tides though.  If you want pikerel and lots of them just go to Loch Raven.  I catch them all the time while fishing for bass.  Personally I can't stand them because they cut my line and me and are not bass!!!