Susquehanna Flats © BGS

About the Flats:

The "Flats" as most people call it, is the area where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. If you don't know why it is called the "Flats" you'd get a pretty good idea if you launched from Havre de Grace, MD and boated East. The water depth is no more than 2-3 ft. deep for a few square miles. You don't get any deeper until the eastern shore where you'll find the bay channel depth of 10-20 ft. You don't hear much about this area because it is overshadowed by the Susquehanna River fishing to the North and the Potomac River fishing to the South.

The "Flats" have been coming back though. The emergence of new grass has improved the catch and fishing is definitely on the upswing.

Where and When to fish:

The best time to fish the "Flats" is in the spring. Exactly when depends on what kind of spring we've had. If there is a lot of rain it may not turn on til the end of April or beginning of May. Generally, I look for the clearer water because it always seems like the water is muddy. Look for a combination rocks, wood and grass if you can that is away from the main river. But don't drift too far from the creek channels though. The areas to concentrate on are in and around Tydings Marina in Havre de Grace and the Blue Anchor Marina in the Northeast.

What to fish:

Lures which traditionally do well are the jig n pig, 4-6" worm, spinnerbait and crankbaits. The jig combos I fish in black/blue, worms in purple and black colors, spinnerbaits in white/chartreuse and crankbaits in shad/blue colors and firetiger. Firetigers usually work best because the water is mostly muddy.

Recommended Boat Ramps:

Blue Anchor Marina- The Blue Anchor Marina is in the Northeast near Elkton, MD. This is my favorite. You can get there by taking exit 100 off of I-95. Just go east on Rt. 272 through the town of Northeast. As you leave town you will see a small sign on your right hand side for the Blue Anchor Marina. It's small and you may miss it in the dark. This turn is no more than 3 miles from the exit. I prefer this ramp over any other because it has everything. It has two ramps, a newly paved parking lot, gas docks, tie up docks, shelter from the wind and current, food, scenery, safe, rest rooms, etc. It has it all for $5. A lot of tournaments are run out of this Marina.

Tydings Marina- Tydings Marina is in Havre de Grace. You can get here by taking exit 89 off of I-95. Just go east on Rt. 155. I'm not sure of the exact roads. It's not far from the exit. I'd say no more than 5 miles. If you want to concentrate on the Susquehanna River and Garrett Island I would launch out of Havre de Grace. If you want to concentrate on the Northeast, Elk, Bohemia and Sassafras Rivers I'd launch out of the Northeast Marina. Thats because I'm coming from the North. Baltimore folks might want to stay with Tyding's Marina. Besides I'll save $4 in tolls launching out of the Northeast. Let me remind you though it is tricky getting over to Tyding's Marina from the Northeast by water. You had best have a good map or know your way. A lot of tournaments are run out of this marina.

Where to stay:

Call the Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce at (800) 851-7756.

Licenses, Guides & Maps:

You can fish the flats with a Maryland Bay Sport License. An out of state license is only $12. I'm not sure if you need a PA license if you want to fish the Susquehanna River up to the dam. Although Bill's Guide Service does not provide service on the Flats, contact them and they will give you the name and number of a pro in the area. You can order a map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at (800) 638-8972 or check out other maps on the map page.

5.2 lb. Largemouth- Susquehanna Flats- Rob Muller- courtesy of Bill's Guide Service

Map of the Flats