About the West Branch of the Susquehanna River
The West Branch of the Susquehanna River extends 228 miles, and is the largest and most remote section along the Susquehanna Greenway corridor. It flows from Cherry Tree, Indiana County, to Sunbury, Northumberland County.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the surrounding forests were stripped bare and virgin timber was harvested, tied together and rafted downstream to supply lumber for everything from ship masts to furniture. Today, the hillsides have recovered and are once again heavily forested, providing thousands of acres of state forests, state parks and state game lands.
Fishing Opportunities
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, along with numerous partners like Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), watershed organizations, and sportsman's groups have worked together to maintain the natural resource and keep the waterway clean. This has resulted in creating a diverse and improving fishery.
About 35 miles of the lower reaches, Williamsport to the mouth, have supported a good warmwater fishery, like Smallmouth Bass. Upstream, in Cambria and Clearfield counties, the river is undergoing a remarkable recovery supporting wild Brown Trout populations, and a few Brook Trout. But there is still restoration work to be done, especially toward the middle of the river.
Boating and Paddling Opportunities
Paddle through the remote mountainous landscape of Pennsylvania and explore the West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail.
At 228 miles long, this water trailcan seem daunting, but the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership breaks it into manageable pieces.
Resources from Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
- Suggest floats ranging in size with difficulty level, paddle time, potential hazards and recommended water levels.
- Paddlers who complete the entire river or any of four segments—detailed online, too—can earn pins and other recognition.
- Visitors can also buy a waterproof river trail map for $25 or download a free digital version.
- Join the West Branch Paddle Club, too. Members get merchandise discounts, notice of group floats and more.
- Dues support projects benefitting the river, like the installation of fishing line recycling collection bins.
The West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail is considered beginner-friendly, a Class I water with tame rapids under normal conditions that draws people.
- Alana Jajko, Director of Communications & Outreach for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, the river trail's sponsor
This content was partially adapated from West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail feature by Bob Frye in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine.
