Discover Georgia's Satilla River

Discover Georgia's Satilla River - The Satilla River is considered to be one of the most scenic and natural rivers in south Georgia. Originating in Ben Hill County, the river takes a free flowing and winding course for 260 miles before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Stay and Play in GA!

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Best Fishing Bets for 2009

Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, Crappie and Bullhead Catfish

Satilla River Fishing Tips

Bream - One of the premier redbreast sunfish rivers in the southeast, and an angler's best best for catching a redbreast greater than 1 pound. Annual sampling revealed large numbers of small redbreast. Water levels in the river have been on the rise and if these flows persist through March, anglers should catch several large redbreast each trip. Bluegill and spotted sunfish are also plentiful in the Satilla. Like redbreast, their numbers and size are highly dependent upon high water levels throughout the winter and early spring.

Technique - For redbreast: Crickets and worms fished under bobbers or on the bottom with split-shot weights works best. Try switching to artificial lures such as small beetle spins and rooster-tail spinners when water temperatures rise into the 70s (F). Also attempt fly-fishing as the water warms. Stick to crickets and worms for other bream species.

Target - For redbreast: Concentrate fishing efforts around woody cover in the mainstem of the river. For bluegill: Target oxbow lakes and beaver ponds off the main river channel; particularly oxbow lakes in the lower section of the river around the Burnt Fort area.

Crappie are present throughout the river. Try fishing for crappie when conditions are too cold for targeting bream and bass.

Technique - Live minnows and small artificial jigs are recommended.

Target - Try fishing woody cover in slack-water away from the main channel.

Catfish fishing should remain good this year. The river supports healthy populations of snail, yellow and brown bullheads and channel catfish.

Technique - Use worms, chicken livers, cut bait or your own secret bait fished on the bottom.

Target - Fish the deeper holes, which are usually located on outside bends in the river.

Largemouth Bass - Though not known for its bass population, largemouth are present in sufficient numbers in the Satilla. Expect most catches in the 10 to 12-inch range, but the occassional lunker is lurking.

Technique - Typical bass lures work, but it's hard to beat a shallow-diving minnow plug during the spring.

Target - As the river begins to fall in the early spring, target woody cover near the mouths of oxbow lakes and feeder creeks.

Additional Info

Refer to the USGS gauges located at Waycross, GA and Atkinson, GA when planning your fishing trips. Fishing conditions are best when the USGS gauge reads between 4-8 feet at Waycross and 3-7 feet at Atkinson. Waycross, GA USGS gauge information. Atkinson, GA USGS gauge info.

Contact Info

Wildlife Resources Division, Waycross Fisheries office - Phone: 912-285-6094

Be An Ethical Angler

Ethical anglers fish responsibly and consider the rights of others. They portray a positive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler; the future of fishing depends on it.

Ethical Anglers:

Know and obey the fishing regulations

Report viloations and pollution

Keep only the fish they can use and release all the others properly so they will survive

Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing

Don't transfer fish or plant species between bodies of water - Non-native species can adversely affect existing populations.

Appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose of fishing line properly and leave a place cleaner where they found it

Show coutesy to other, lend a helping hand whenever possible and always ask permission before fishing on private property

Trip Checklist

Each person on board must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved type I, II, II or V (hybrid) Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) in good condition with no rips or tears. Type V devices are acceptable only when worn and surely fastened. Each vessel, except for Class A vessels, canoes, and kayaks must be equipped with at least one type IV (throwable) device. Also, any child under age 10 who is on board a boat must wear an appropriately sized USCG approved life jacket at all times while the boat is moving, whether it be drifting, sailing, or mechanical power.

Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USGC approved fire extinquisher.

Make sure your boat registration and fishing license are current. Carry your licnese and registration card with you.

Check your boat trailer lights, navigation lights and fuel before beginning your trip.

Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent sunscreen, extra clothing, rain gear, and plenty of food and drinking water.

Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations. A copy of current fishing and boating regulations can be obtained from any DNR office and many sotres that sell bait and tackel. Have a float plan. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Follow these guidelines for a safe and fun recreation experience.