Pennsylvania
West Branch Susquehanna River at Williamsport
Current River Rating
Fair
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Low confidence
Estimated Conditions
Estimated from available current readings, weather, seasonal patterns, destination characteristics, and historical conditions. Some important on-water measurements may be unavailable.
Should I Go?
Consider
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 16500 CFS
- Gage Height
- 6.16 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Sep 6, 2026, 8:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 01551500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
59°F
Feels like
58°F
Wind
4 mph SW
Wind gust
6 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 6, 2026, 5:00 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Sun 6 AM
Clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Sun 10 AM
Clear
Temp 68°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Sun 2 PM
Clear
Temp 73°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Sun 6 PM
Clear
Temp 73°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Sun 10 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Mon 2 AM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sun, Sep 6
Mostly clear
High 75°F / Low 58°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Overcast
High 73°F / Low 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 80°F / Low 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 5 mph
Wed, Sep 9
Drizzle
High 83°F / Low 59°F
Chance 29%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
West Branch Susquehanna River at Williamsport, a large warmwater mainstem reach in Lycoming County. Smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish are principal targets. USGS gage 01551500 provides live streamflow and stage. This record represents the Williamsport gauge reach, not the upper West Branch trout tributaries and not the Susquehanna mainstem at Harrisburg.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at West Branch Susquehanna River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
West Branch Susquehanna River at Williamsport, a large warmwater mainstem reach in Lycoming County. Smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish are principal targets. USGS gage 01551500 provides live streamflow and stage. This record represents the Williamsport gauge reach, not the upper West Branch trout tributaries and not the Susquehanna mainstem at Harrisburg.
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth bass are a primary warmwater target on the West Branch Susquehanna at Williamsport.
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Channel catfish are a common warmwater target on the Williamsport West Branch mainstem.
Walleye
Sander vitreus
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Walleye are a common large-river target on the West Branch Susquehanna near Williamsport.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Large northcentral Pennsylvania warmwater river habitat at the Williamsport urban corridor.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Drift fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Access and Public Fishing Rights
Municipal riverfront, PFBC launches, and water-trail access serve boat and bank anglers near Williamsport; confirm current launch status and flood stages. Catalog coordinates are the USGS gage point.
Stocking information
Warmwater species are established. Confirm any current PFBC stockings on the official stocking schedule rather than assuming annual coldwater stocking at Williamsport.
Official sources
Large-river warmwater regulations and boat rules can change. Verify current PFBC guidance for the Williamsport West Branch reach.
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Pennsylvania
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
Target Species
Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Walleye
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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