Captain Lee's Marina

Captain Lee's Marina sits on a particularly welcoming stretch of the lower Susquehanna River, just upstream from where it widens into the Chesapeake Bay. This section flows through rolling farmland and wooded banks in Cecil County, offering paddlers a taste of Maryland's historic river corridor without the challenging rapids found further upstream. The water here maintains enough current to keep things interesting while staying gentle enough for newcomers to the sport. You'll find yourself paddling the same waters that have carried everything from Native American canoes to colonial trading vessels, with occasional glimpses of old stone foundations and remnants of the area's industrial past along the banks.

The paddling conditions at Captain Lee's are about as forgiving as they get on the Susquehanna. The current runs steady but mild, typically moving at a pace that lets you easily paddle upstream for a workout or drift downstream at a relaxed clip. Wind can be a factor during spring afternoons, especially when it funnels down the river valley, but mornings are usually calm. The water depth varies from shallow riffles over rocky bottom to deeper pools, giving you options whether you want to practice maneuvering in moving water or just cruise along. During normal water levels, you won't encounter any serious obstacles, though you should watch for occasional deadfall near the banks and be aware that water levels can rise quickly after heavy rains upstream.

This spot works well for both kayakers and canoeists, though the mild current gives a slight edge to kayaks when it comes to maneuverability. If you're new to paddling moving water, this is an excellent place to learn how current affects your boat without worrying about getting into trouble. Canoeists will appreciate the relatively protected setting for practicing ferry angles and eddy turns. The river holds a decent population of smallmouth bass, and you'll often see anglers working the rocky areas and deeper pools. Fishing from a kayak is productive here, particularly in the early morning or evening when the boat traffic dies down. The rocky bottom and varied structure provide good habitat, and you can cover water efficiently by combining paddling with fishing.

Spring brings the most exciting conditions, with higher water levels and stronger current as snowmelt and spring rains feed the system. This is when the river shows its most dynamic character, but it can also be unpredictable, so check conditions before heading out. Summer offers the most consistent paddling, with warm water temperatures and predictable flows, though afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly. Fall is arguably the best time to be on the water here, with comfortable temperatures, stable conditions, and excellent scenery as the hardwood forests along the banks change color. Winter paddling is possible during mild spells, but ice can form in protected areas, and the concrete ramp can be slippery.

Captain Lee's Marina provides straightforward access via a concrete boat ramp that handles all water levels reasonably well. Parking is available near the ramp, though space can get tight on busy weekends when the fishing crowd shows up. The marina is located off Route 222, about 15 minutes from Interstate 95, making it easily accessible from the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Perry Point is the closest town, but don't expect much in terms of services there. You're better off bringing everything you need or stopping in Havre de Grace, about 10 miles south, where you'll find restaurants and supplies. The ramp has a small fee during peak season, and while the marina sells some basic items, it's not a full-service outfitter, so plan accordingly.