According to Susquehanna River guide Rod Bates, nice smallmouth bass become available in mid- to late March.

The waters of eastern Pennsylvania tend to warm up a bit quicker than those on this side of the state. As a result, the fishing gets rolling sooner, including the Susquehanna River's famed smallmouth bass.

Much concern has surrounded the Susquehanna River's renowned smallmouth bass fishery the last couple of years. Fish kills affecting both young-of-the-year bass and adult bass have occurred, primarily in the lower portion of the river.

Columnaris, a bacterial disease most likely to affect stressed fish, was blamed for the young-of-the-year smallmouth deaths. It was first noticed in 2005.

Veteran fishing guide Rod Bates said there is concern about the number of young fish available. Presently, the Susquehanna continues to provide an excellent fishery.

"From what I've seen on the affect of adult bass, the affects of fish kills have been minimal," he said. "The conditions that bring columnaris on — low flows and warm water temperatures — are the same ones that provide good smallmouth hatches.

"So while we've had young- -of-year fish kills, we've also had above-average spawns," Bates added.

Bates said anglers should concentrate on the slower pools of the river during their late March, early April outings. The same basic fishing patterns described for the middle Allegheny apply to the Susquehanna as well.

Good boat accesses along this stretch of the Susquehanna include Middletown, City Island and Fort Hunter.

Less affected by columnaris have been the bass of both the West and North branches of the Susquehanna, which currently contain good smallmouth bass populations.

According to river guide Roy Betz, the situation varies along the West Branch. Some stretches contain plenty good-sized smallies while others have many fish, but not the overall quality.

"I think it might have to do with water quality," he said. "In areas where you see good numbers of crayfish, you tend to find the bigger bass. I think it's a deal where there's better and more varied food sources where the water has better quality. And the bass bulk up on it."

The West Branch has a history of acid mine drainage problems, a situation that's much better now than a decade or two ago.

Betz said the smallmouths tend to be bigger in the West Branch below the dam in Lock Haven. Just downriver from this point, Bald Eagle Creek enters the West Branch, providing a major clean water tributary. The area around Milton is one of Betz's favorites. A boat launch is located at Milton State Park on an 82-acre island in the river.

Betz said the North Branch also is an excellent smallmouth bass haven. He recommends the area around Danville. The Fish and Boat Commission maintains a boat launch on the North Branch.

Between the two, Betz said he prefers the West Branch, primarily because, all factors being equal, the West Branch tends to run a bit clearer than the North.

Visit www.koinoniafishingguides.com/ for information.

Wild game dinner

I will be the featured speaker when the Trinity Lutheran Church holds its seventh annual Wild Game Dinner at 5 p.m. March 15.

The Rev. Tom Pierotti, pastor of the church, said there is no charge, though attendees are encouraged to bring a covered dish. An offering will be accepted, with the proceeds going to help fund the costs of sending 18 youths to a national gathering in New Orleans later this year.

Following the buffet dinner, Randy Pilacik, a wildlife conservation officer with Game Commission, will provide a short demonstration on firearms safety. Knapp's discussion of area fishing opportunities will follow.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 120 Sunset Drive, Butler.

Jeff Knapp is an outdoors writer for the Butler Eagle.