| More parks | WMAs | Outdoor activities | Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures | DNR home page |
| Fishing | |
|---|---|
| Location | Susquehanna River bordering Susquehanna State Park, 410-557-7994 Three miles north of Havre de Grace |
| Access | River access from Lapidum Boat Ramp (open year-round) on Stafford Road or park in various pull-offs along Stafford Road. Take I-95 to 155 north to Lapidum Road (ends at boat ramp). Turn left onto Stafford Road for pull-offs. |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes |
| Hazards/Restrictions | Water levels rise rapidly from the discharge from Conowingo Dam. If wading, the rocks can be slippery. Rocks in the river can damage boats. A Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License is required for ages 16 and over. Check the current Maryland Sport Fishing Guide for creel limits, sizes and seasons. |
| Potable Water | Restrooms are available at the Lapidum Boat Ramp. |
| Natural Features | Great bird watching opportunities throughout the year for waterfowl, gulls and raptors (birds of prey). A great blue heron rookery is located near Conowingo Dam in Cecil County. The river has several wooded islands; most are privately owned. The Susquehanna River is the largest drainage into the Chesapeake Bay. |
| Historic/Cultural Features | The Rock Run Historic Area includes a working grist mill (1794), John Archer Mansion (1804), the Jersey Toll House, which collected tolls for the Tidewater Canal and a covered bridge over the Susquehanna River in the mid 1800's. Nearby the Steppingstone Farm Museum is a private museum featuring rural arts and crafts of the 1880-1920 period. Lapidum Landing, formerly known as Bell's Ferry, shipped local farm produce to Baltimore and major ports. |
| Guiding | Guides available through local towns. |
| Camping | Available at Susquehanna State Park, May-September. Mini cabins are also available. Call 1-888-432-2267 for reservations. |
| Other Points of Interest | Perryville: outlet stores Havre de Grace: waterfront promenade, antique/gift shops, restaurants and museums, including Concord Point Lighthouse, Canal Museu, Decoy Museum Aberdeen: Aberdeen Proving Ground Ordnance Museum, Cal Ripken Museum. Port Deposit, an historic river town, offers restaurants and shops. Nearby Darlington is a quaint rural town with antique shops. |
| Other Accommodations | Bed and breakfasts in Havre de Grace and Darlington; Motel in Perryville. |
| Service Charges or Permits | $5 per trip launching fee at Lapidum Boat Ramp. Season permits available. Fishing license fees. Camping is $15 per night plus a reservation fee. |
| Description | The Susquehanna River presents tidal water fishing opportunities on the largest drainage into the Chesapeake Bay. In spring hickory and American White Shad move into the Susquehanna River and Deer Creek for spawning. This fishery is catch and release only. A large white perch run occurs in the spring. White perch are catch and keep. The Susquehanna River is a great area to find small mouth bass, which can be caught year-round. Rockfish can be caught when in season. Walleye and catfish also inhabit the Susquehanna River. Check the Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License for creek limits and seasons for all fish. |
Resources Recommended Gear and Safety Tips
- Beware of rising water levels from Conowingo Dam. Call 410-457-4076 to learn when dam releases are planned.
- Submerged rocks and logs in shallow areas can be hazardous to boats
- A personal flotation device (life jacket) for each person is required in boats
- Leave a trip plan with a family member
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