TROPHY SMALLMOUTH BASS

Experience Guided Fly-Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in South Central Pennsylvania

Catering to anglers of all skill levels. From hunting your personal best to learning the nuances of fishing for smallmouth bass, we tailor the experience to fit your needs.

Catering to anglers of all skill levels. From hunting your personal best to learning the nuances of fishing for smallmouth bass, we tailor the experience to fit your needs.

FOR BEGINNERS AND EXPERTS ALIKE

LEARN TACTICS FROM PRO GUIDE

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SMALLMOUTH FISHING

I Want To Book A Trip

I Want To Book A Trip

The Best Fly-Fishing South Pennsylvania Has to Offer

Here’s the equation—big smallies plus savage eats equals smiles ear to ear.

On a float with us, you can have faith your fly will be put in front of the fish of a lifetime. With the help of your guide, you will be taught how to trigger that fish to eat. We have a lot of fun on the water. From savage eats on big streamers in the Spring to subtle sips in the Summer, smallmouth bass continue to impress throughout the year. When it comes to chasing trophy bass on the fly, it’s truly a team sport. Boat control, knowing where to place your fly so it’s fishing at that spot within a spot, and how/when to move the fly are crucial to success. We’ve spent the better part of the last decade putting giant bass in the hands of smiling customers. Come experience what the hype is all about.

As Featured In

How We Make It Happen

I’ve been fishing my whole life and know that there are lots of ways to have fun on the water. If your ideal trip consists of catching a few fish with your son, brother, or close friend while having a great time, we can do that. If your goals are set toward breaking your personal best, or learning how to fish a particular fly or lure, we can do that too. Our commitment is to make sure we do everything we can to meet your expectations and more. By setting you up to cast on spots that has been successful, using the feedback gathered from the fish over the years, your success rates will be much greater. We handle the gear and know-how so you can bring a few personal items and enjoy the experience. If you like seeing Bald Eagles, fighting big bass, and lots of fist bumps, join us for a float trip.

-Brendan

Ruch Angling Owner & Guide

I Want To Book A Trip

I Want To Book A Trip

Meet Your Guide

Brendan Ruch

Brendan grew up fishing for largemouth bass on his father’s bass boat in Eastern Pennsylvania and has always had a fascination with savage eats. His passion for fly fishing for smallmouth bass came later in life  while fishing the Juniata River after several years dedicated to trout fishing. Now, he is in constant pursuit of sharing visual eats and fist bumps with his clients while floating through scenic Perry and Juniata counties.

 Brendan is also a passionate fly tier who specializes in streamers that are designed to trigger big fish to commit.


Going into his 9th year of guiding tributaries of the Susquehanna River, Brendan is eager to show you why so many people are obsessed with smallmouth bass. If you are an experienced angler looking to chase a giant, or if you are new to river bass fishing all together, Brendan will help you achieve your goals on the water.

I Want To Book A Trip

I Want To Book A Trip

Our Clients Love Us! (And We Love Them Back)

“Brendan is one of, if not THE best, smallmouth guides in Pennsylvania”

Brendan is one of, if not THE best, smallmouth guides in Pennsylvania. If you are chasing a personal record, or the ever elusive 20" smallie, he's your guy. If you are looking to learn how to cast and fish big swim flies, with specific techniques like aerial mends, he's your guy. If you're looking to learn how to read the river and find fish, whether using fly or light tackle, he's your guy. Beyond his immense technical skill, he's a pleasure, is great with anglers both old and young. I have learned so much by fishing with Brendan, and you will too. Book him now, while you can!

-Hunter McMullin

“Brendan is extremely knowledgeable and very good at what he does”

All smiles today. Big shouts to Brendan for putting me on some awesome fish! Brendan is extremely knowledgeable and very good at what he does. The fish were aggressive, big and strong.

-Alexander Poremski

The Waters We Fish

Rivers

Depending on the time of year, we could be in a small tributary that is a 100 feet wide, or in a bigger body of water spanning 500ft. There’s lots of water that leave us with good options is a variety of conditions.

Location

The beautiful landscape of South Central Pennsylvania. 

Season

Spring (Mid-March to Early June)

We kick off the season in mid-March and stick to a similar program through early June. Spring offers some of the most consistent opportunities to target larger fish with larger flies. During the pre-spawn, bass are bulking up in preparation for guarding their nests—and they’re not shy about eating big meals. Not all fish spawn at the same time, so we’re often able to find pre-spawn conditions well into the first half of May. As the spawn wraps up, we adjust our tactics slightly to target fish that are recovering and feeding again in faster seams. Most of the flies we throw during this window are in the 4.5–6” range. This is my favorite time of year to guide, and for good reason: the action is exciting, the fish are fired up, and dates fill quickly.

Mid-March to Early June

We kick off the season in mid-March and stick to a similar program through early June. Spring offers some of the most consistent opportunities to target larger fish with larger flies. During the pre-spawn, bass are bulking up in preparation for guarding their nests—and they’re not shy about eating big meals. Not all fish spawn at the same time, so we’re often able to find pre-spawn conditions well into the first half of May. As the spawn wraps up, we adjust our tactics slightly to target fish that are recovering and feeding again in faster seams. Most of the flies we throw during this window are in the 4.5–6” range. This is my favorite time of year to guide, and for good reason: the action is exciting, the fish are fired up, and dates fill quickly.

Spring (Mid-March to Early June)

We kick off the season in mid-March and stick to a similar program through early June. Spring offers some of the most consistent opportunities to target larger fish with larger flies. During the pre-spawn, bass are bulking up in preparation for guarding their nests—and they’re not shy about eating big meals. Not all fish spawn at the same time, so we’re often able to find pre-spawn conditions well into the first half of May. As the spawn wraps up, we adjust our tactics slightly to target fish that are recovering and feeding again in faster seams. Most of the flies we throw during this window are in the 4.5–6” range. This is my favorite time of year to guide, and for good reason: the action is exciting, the fish are fired up, and dates fill quickly.

Summer (Mid-June through August)

Once bass settle into their summer patterns, they hold in pools and feed on crayfish, bugs, and smaller baitfish. From a fly fishing standpoint, this is prime time for topwater eats. Some days they’ll sip a dead-drifted cork bug moments after it lands. Other days they’ll explode on a cupped-face popper worked like a frog or injured baitfish. I’ll admit, I get a little bummed when spring flows drop into summer conditions—but all it takes is one topwater day to cure the low water blues.

Mid-June through August

Once bass settle into their summer patterns, they hold in pools and feed on crayfish, bugs, and smaller baitfish. From a fly fishing standpoint, this is prime time for topwater eats. Some days they’ll sip a dead-drifted cork bug moments after it lands. Other days they’ll explode on a cupped-face popper worked like a frog or injured baitfish. I’ll admit, I get a little bummed when spring flows drop into summer conditions—but all it takes is one topwater day to cure the low water blues.

Summer (Mid-June through August)

Once bass settle into their summer patterns, they hold in pools and feed on crayfish, bugs, and smaller baitfish. From a fly fishing standpoint, this is prime time for topwater eats. Some days they’ll sip a dead-drifted cork bug moments after it lands. Other days they’ll explode on a cupped-face popper worked like a frog or injured baitfish. I’ll admit, I get a little bummed when spring flows drop into summer conditions—but all it takes is one topwater day to cure the low water blues.

Fall (September to Early October)

If conditions hold, the topwater bite can continue into early October. Once the first cold fronts roll through, bass begin to group up and chase baitfish in the shallows. Fall is a great time to catch aggressive fish, soak up the colors, and enjoy some of the last visual eats of the season.

September to Early October

If conditions hold, the topwater bite can continue into early October. Once the first cold fronts roll through, bass begin to group up and chase baitfish in the shallows. Fall is a great time to catch aggressive fish, soak up the colors, and enjoy some of the last visual eats of the season.

Fall (September to Early October)

If conditions hold, the topwater bite can continue into early October. Once the first cold fronts roll through, bass begin to group up and chase baitfish in the shallows. Fall is a great time to catch aggressive fish, soak up the colors, and enjoy some of the last visual eats of the season.

How It Works

1

Book Your Trip

Book Your Trip

Give us a call, or fill out the Contact Form, and we will find the perfect day to get on the water.

2

We Handle the Details

We have the gear, the spots, the knowledge, so you can plan on just bringing a few personal items and the rest is taken care of.

3

Enjoy an Epic Float

Just show up and fish. We bring everything needed for a great trip. Simply come and have a great time.

Our Trips & Rates

Half Day Trip

Half Day Trip

$450 - 4 hours

Tributaries of the Susquehanna River

1- 2 People

Half Day (4 hours)

Smallmouth Bass

Water and snacks provided

All gear provided (rods, reel, flies)

Float Trip

Full Day Trip

Full Day Trip

$600 - 8 hours

Tributaries of the Susquehanna River

1- 2 People

Full Day (8 hours)

Smallmouth Bass

Water and snacks provided

All gear provided (rods, reel, flies)

Float Trip

Tributaries of the Susquehanna River

1- 2 People

Half Day (4 hours)

Smallmouth Bass

Water and snacks provided

All gear provided (rods, reel, flies)

Float Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me?

1) Lunch 2) Pennsylvania fishing license 3) Sunglasses (polarized recommended) 4) Shoes or boots that can get wet 5) Appropriate clothing for the weather 6) Rain gear 7) Sunscreen 8) Water and other beverages 9) Your favorite 7 or 8 wt rod (gear will be provided by your guide)

What should I bring with me?

1) Lunch 2) Pennsylvania fishing license 3) Sunglasses (polarized recommended) 4) Shoes or boots that can get wet 5) Appropriate clothing for the weather 6) Rain gear 7) Sunscreen 8) Water and other beverages 9) Your favorite 7 or 8 wt rod (gear will be provided by your guide)

What should I bring with me?

1) Lunch 2) Pennsylvania fishing license 3) Sunglasses (polarized recommended) 4) Shoes or boots that can get wet 5) Appropriate clothing for the weather 6) Rain gear 7) Sunscreen 8) Water and other beverages 9) Your favorite 7 or 8 wt rod (gear will be provided by your guide)

What does my guide provide?

1) Rods, flies, terminal tackle, and lures 2) Coolers for your lunch and beverages 3) Water 4) Snacks 5) First Aid Kit

What does my guide provide?

1) Rods, flies, terminal tackle, and lures 2) Coolers for your lunch and beverages 3) Water 4) Snacks 5) First Aid Kit

What does my guide provide?

1) Rods, flies, terminal tackle, and lures 2) Coolers for your lunch and beverages 3) Water 4) Snacks 5) First Aid Kit

Can I book a trip with my kids?

Absolutely. We’ve taken kids as young as 7 out on the water. If you’re looking to introduce them to fishing, a half-day float is a great way to start.

Can I book a trip with my kids?

Absolutely. We’ve taken kids as young as 7 out on the water. If you’re looking to introduce them to fishing, a half-day float is a great way to start.

Can I book a trip with my kids?

Absolutely. We’ve taken kids as young as 7 out on the water. If you’re looking to introduce them to fishing, a half-day float is a great way to start.

What species do you target?

We specialize in fly fishing for smallmouth bass.

What species do you target?

We specialize in fly fishing for smallmouth bass.

What species do you target?

We specialize in fly fishing for smallmouth bass.

Where do we meet for float trips?

Your guide will contact you before your trip with details on where to meet.

Where do we meet for float trips?

Your guide will contact you before your trip with details on where to meet.

Where do we meet for float trips?

Your guide will contact you before your trip with details on where to meet.

Can I call you with questions before booking a trip?

Yes, of course. Feel free to call, text, or email anytime — we’re happy to help.

Can I call you with questions before booking a trip?

Yes, of course. Feel free to call, text, or email anytime — we’re happy to help.

Can I call you with questions before booking a trip?

Yes, of course. Feel free to call, text, or email anytime — we’re happy to help.

We Like Big Fish

Ready to Book Your Trip?

If you’re ready to book a trip, reach out and reserve your spot today.

I Want To Book A Trip

Ready to Book Your Trip?

If you’re ready to book a trip, reach out and reserve your spot today.

I Want To Book A Trip

Ready to Book Your Trip?

If you’re ready to book a trip, reach out and reserve your spot today.

I Want To Book A Trip

Contact

Trip Info

Quick Links

© 2025 Ruch Angling

Design by