What is the best time of year to catch flathead catfish on the Susquehanna River?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

So, you’re chasing flatheads on the Susquehanna, and you want the sweet spot in the calendar. The short version: the prime window runs from late spring through early fall, with the strongest action in the warm months. The core bite often happens in the evenings and at night during midsummer, but you can stack odds in spring and fall too. Here’s how to read the seasons like a map:

- **Late spring (May to early June):** After the spawn, flatheads are hungry and prowling for easy meals. Look for them around channel edges, deep holes, and big covers near drop-offs. Use big cuts of bait and a steady presentation to coax slower, bottom-hugging fish into biting as water temps climb into comfortable ranges.
- **Summer (June to August):** This is the marquee window, especially for night anglers. During the day, heat drives them to cooler deeper water; at night they move into current seams, undercut banks, and holes near structure. Plan for *dusk-to-dark* sessions, or even after dark, with heavy tackle and big bait. Bait options include cut shad or bluegill, or live bait when legal and practical. See how other Susquehanna videos approach this window: [Drought Fishing Big Catfish on the Susquehanna River](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDRY-x5n0Io) and [Susquehanna River FISHING (Flathead Catfish)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5duG2lT2q8).
- **Early fall (September):** As water temperatures cool a bit, feeding picks up again. Fish become more predictable around holes and ledges, and you can see solid day bites before turnover. It’s a good push period before winter slows things down.

Tips for the window you’re in:
- Target deeper holes and current seams where flatheads like to hold in warm weather. Use a **slip-sinker rig** with a strong leader and a circle hook; let the bait sit on the bottom and be patient.
- Bait choice matters: big chunks of cut bait or live offerings will outlast smaller pieces on the Susquehanna’s current. 
- If you’re chasing midsummer action, plan your trips for the *cooler parts of the day* and consider a night setup with glow tackle or scent to draw them in.

For gear ideas, check these options (shown with links):
- [Ugly Stik 7’ Catfish Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Catfish Combo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011LVDRHO?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – rugged, ready for big cats.
- [Sougayilang Inshore Fishing Rod Combo with Line Counter Reel](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCHSBQ1K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – good for heavier setups and long casts.
- [Sougayilang Fiberglass Fishing Pole Conventional Reel Combo for Catfish](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJTKDMNR?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – affordable, durable option.
- [Zebco Big Cat Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B15Q1GJJ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – kid-friendly and sturdy for bigger flatheads.

Weather note: Current conditions in the Susquehanna Hills show about *82.9°F, Sunny*, with light wind (~2–3 mph) and low humidity. In these mid-summer conditions, you’ll find bites most reliably at dawn, dusk, and after dark. A quick weather tip: after a warm day, a short shower can spark a late bite as the river’s current shifts bait and scent cues.

Weather summary for mid-summer: warm water temperatures push flatheads into deeper pools and cover; plan evening or night trips, use ample bait, and stay patient. The season rewards anglers who adapt to light, water, and current — and stay persistent.

Bottom line: for Susquehanna flatheads, target late spring through early fall with your peak effort in midsummer evenings, and always tailor your location and bait to the current of the river. Tight lines! 🚤🐟

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