About the Conestoga River Water Trail
The Conestoga River flows for 60 miles and is full of history, nature and scenic landscapes. The Conestoga River Water Trail makes up 32 miles of the river and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing.
Along the trail you will paddle past where Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, experimented with his designs and where the Conestoga Wagon was manufactured.
There’s plenty of wildlife to see as well including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, river otters and much more.
The Conestoga River takes its name from the Susquehannock. Translated, it means “place of the immersed pole.”
The Conestoga River Club oversees the river trail to ensure it will be around for generations.
The organization has removed seven tons of trash from the river over the last five years and it has been working to rehabilitate the portages and provide good, accessible parking at the access points.
Fishing Opportunities
There is no shortage of fishing opportunities along the Conestoga River.
Anglers will find Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass and Smallmouth Bass throughout the river.
The Conestoga River Water Trail empties into the Susquehanna River at Lake Aldred and is a popular area for angler, who launch into the lake or float into it from the Conestoga River.
In the spring, you’ll be able to target Smallmouth Bass, Walleyes, Channel Catfish and Muskellunge that move up the Conestoga River to spawn.
When the river is low, it is prime water for wade fishing. However, before wade fishing, consider water levels and only do so when it’s safe.
Some popular wade and shore fishing spots are:
- Conestoga River Park where the river empties into the Susquehanna.
- Sylvan B. Fisher Township Park in West Earl Township.
- Perelman Park in Manheim Township.
- Walnut Street fishing access in Lancaster city.
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Biologist Reports - Area 6
Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, Delaware, Lancaste,r Montgomery, Schuylkill and York Counties
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Where to Fish
Discover PA's best fishing waters, warmwater/coolwater fisheries and trout streams on the Conestoga River.
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Warmwater/Coolwater Stocking
Search stockings of juvenile warmwater/coolwater fish species along the Conestoga River.
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Trout Stocking Schedule
Search trout stockings along the Conestoga River.
Boating Opportunities
If you’re new to paddling, the 32-mile scenic water trail is a great place to hone your skills.
Under normal conditions, the river is almost exclusively Class I water, meaning even its faster stretches are beginner friendly. Paddlers can cover about 2 miles an hour on a typical float at a leisurely pace.
The river can become trickier to paddle after storms as it rises quickly, runs fast and is muddy brown. So paddlers should know the water and the potential weather conditions, always wear a life jacket and have the proper safety equipment.
There are 14 access points along the water trail that make it easy to enjoy a day fishing or paddling.
There are three dams on the river and paddlers will have to portage around them. All three dams are well marked with signs.
This content was partially adapted from The Conestoga River Water Trail feature by Bob Frye in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine.
