Discover Georgia's St. Marys River

Discover Georgia's St. Marys River - The St. Marys River is a remote black water stream that originates in the Okefenokee Swamp and meanders for 130 miles until reaching the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end of Cumberland Island. With little development and few river crossings, the St. Marys River offers wilderness experience to those who travel its waters. Stay and Play in GA!

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Best Fishing Bets for 2009

Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill and Catfish

St. Marys River Fishing Tips

Redbreast Sunfish and Bluegill - Chances of catching a 6-inch or larger redbreast sunfish are excellent. The river also supports a healthy bluegill population, and fish weighing 3/4-pound or greater should be fairly common this year.

Technique - For redbreast sunfish: Crickets and worms are a given; small lures, such as beetle-spins work well when the water warms. For bluegill: Crickets and worms around cover in the creeks and oxbows of the lower river are the best bets.

Target - Try launching a canoe or small jon boat at St. George Landing and floating downstream approximately 30 miles to Traders Hill for excellent redbreast fishing. For bluegill: Target the lower half of St. Marys, from Traders Hill Recreational Area downstream.

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

Other Fish Species - Though bass are not as plentiful as in other rivers, anglers can land a wall-hanger.

Technique - Try casting spinnerbaits and pitching jigs or worms around heavy cover in current breaks or backwater areas.

Target the Kings Ferry area of the lower river.

Additional Info

USGS gauge at MacClenny, FL reads between 3-8 feet. View USGS river gauge information

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.