Discover Georgia's Savannah River

Discover Georgia's Savannah River - Flows in the Savannah River below Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam are heavily influenced by releases from Clarks Hill (Strom Thurmond) Dam. Fishing is usually best when river levels drop within 5-6 feet on the USGS flow gauge at Clyo. Many anglers find that numerous oxbow lakes along the river provide excellent fishing opportunities. Stay and Play in GA!

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Best Fishing Bets for 2009

Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Catfish

Savannah River Fishing Tips

Bluegill and Redear Sunfish are abundant. Redbreast and other sunfish also are present, but not as plentiful.

Technique - Crickets and worms fished under a bobber are effective live bait techniques. For artificial lures, consider small beetle spins, rooster tails and popping bugs.

Target - Bluegill are plentiful in backwaters and slower moving sections of the main channel and redear sunfish are often found over submerged sandbars.

Largemouth Bass - The largemouth bass population continues to be healthy in this system. Drought conditions have contributed to slightly slower growth rates over the last few years, but good numbers of large fish are still present. Fishing should be good this spring as water temperatures rise and water levels fall. Look for bites to improve in February as fish prepare to spawn.

Technique - Artificial lures (plastic worms, etc.) are productive around creek mouths. Oxbows are also excellent areas when flooded.

Target - Large numbers of fish can be found in the upper estuary during the fall and around structure in slower moving waters throughout the river system for the majority of the year.

Catfish - Fishing for catfish is excellent in the Savannah. White catfish make up the majority, but channel cats tend to be a bit larger.

Technique - Typical catfish bait (worms, cut-bait, etc.) fished near the bottom of the river in relatively deep holes will produce good results. Target deep swift-flowing water along the last third of an outside bend. During the day, try fishing outside bends. At night, fish shallow bars and flats where bait fish congregate.

Target - Catfish are well-distributed throughout the river, however larger numbers of white catfish are typically found in the upper estuary (Interstate 95 crossing).

Striped Bass - Stripers greater than 27 inches have been open to harvest (daily limit: 2). The number of striped bass and the number of legal-size fish have rebounded thanks to the stocking program that begain in the 90s. Twenty pounders are common, and the occassional 40 to 50-pound fish is reported.

Technique - Live bait, particularly blueback herring, are highly productive when fished in a free-lined fashion. Artificial baits, including bucktails, topwaters and large jigs, are also very effective when fished around structure (i.e. bridge pilings, submerged trees, water diverters, etc.).

Target - Striped bass seasonally migrate upstream and downstream. Fish tend to be concentrated in areas slightly below the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam from April through June. These fish also become concentrated in estuarine areas near Savannah from November through March.

Contact Info

Wildlife Resources Division, Richmond Hill Fisheries office - Phone: 912-727-2112

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.