Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 18
INTERMEDIATE
KAYAK FISHING THE
SCENIC JUNIATA RIVER
by Jeff Woleslagle
photos by the author
W
18
e launched our kayaks from the Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission's Thompsontown
Boat Access for a float to Duncannon, where
the Juniata River meets the mighty Susquehanna River.
Our route covered close to 20 river miles of the Juniata
River's 102 total miles. The sun was just beginning to rise
and it didn't take long to discover that the river's fabled
Smallmouth Bass were active. I was dragging a 3-inch
black curly tail grub along the river bottom in the first pool
we entered and felt a 'tap' at the end of the line. Setting
the hook, I knew it was a good fish. Soon, I was releasing
a beautiful 18-inch Smallmouth Bass. It took us most of
the day to complete the float including a shoreline stop
for lunch. The fishing was consistent throughout the day.
By the time we took our kayaks out of the water, we had
caught and released over 100 Smallmouth Bass and some
Fallfish and panfish.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
Smallmouth Bass are the Juniata River prize, but
Fallfish, Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass, Muskellunge,
Walleyes, Channel and Flathead catfish, and carp take bait
too. There are some stretches that feature river islands,
great for exploring or eating a leisurely lunch. Many
islands are open to overnight camping on a first come,
first serve basis. Wildlife abounds along the Juniata River
so don't be surprised to encounter bald eagles, mink, deer,
and several species of waterfowl.
On an early summer float, look for fish to spread
throughout the river, but target areas where riffles tail out
into deeper runs. Also, focus on submerged large rocks
and abundant underwater river ledges that are easily
spotted when the river is clear. Shoreline brush piles and
downed trees hold fish as well as areas around floating
docks. It is common to spot bass herding baitfish in the
shallow flats around the river islands. Anglers should note
that the 31.7-mile stretch of river from the Port Royal
bridge to the confluence with the Susquehanna River is
catch and release only for Smallmouth Bass.
Much of this beautiful river parallels the route of the
historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, and you can spot
fishandboat.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 13
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 15
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 16
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 18
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 21
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 22
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 23
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 26
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 27
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 30
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 40
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 41
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 42
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 43
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 47
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 48
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover4
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