Episodes

  • Savannah River Fishing Report - Crappie, Stripers, and Redfish Thrive in Warming Waters

    Savannah River Fishing Report - Crappie, Stripers, and Redfish Thrive in Warming Waters
    Feb 8 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Savannah River area as of February 8, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, you can expect the first high tide at 4:21 AM with a height of 6.89 feet, followed by a low tide at 11:03 AM with a height of 0.44 feet. The second high tide will be at 4:52 PM, reaching 5.79 feet, and the final low tide of the day will be at 11:09 PM with a height of -0.26 feet[2].

    The weather has been warming up, which is great news for us fishermen. This warm-up has really gotten the fish fired up all over the place. With sunrise at 7:11 AM and sunset at 6:04 PM, you've got plenty of daylight to hit your favorite spots.

    Recently, the fishing in the Savannah River has been nothing short of spectacular. Mark Vick and Thomas Carroll had an incredible day on Friday, catching 52 fish, including crappie and fliers, using Tennessee shad Specktacular Jigs and Mirage Jigs. They didn't need to tip these jigs with minnows, and they fished deep, around 12 to 16 feet, near cover[1].

    For today, you'll want to focus on similar tactics. Crappie are active, and using a chartreuse back pearl 2-inch Keitech rigged on a chartreuse 1/16-oz. Flashy Jighead with a No. 1 Gamakatsu hook can be very effective. This setup has been producing quite a few crappie up to 14 inches in the lower Satilla River, and it should work well in the Savannah River too[1].

    If you're targeting other species, live mullet and shrimp on the bottom in 15 to 20 feet of water can be great for catching stripers and redfish, especially in areas like the Ogeechee River which is nearby. As the water warms up, these fish will start moving into shallower waters to get warm in the sunshine. A live shrimp or pollywog minnow fished stealthily with smaller floats and lighter rigs can also be very productive[3].

    For hot spots, I recommend checking out the lower sections of the Savannah River, particularly around creek mouths and deep curves in the creeks. These areas tend to hold a mix of species including crappie, stripers, and redfish. Another good spot is around structure in coastal waters, where you can catch sheepshead using fiddler crabs[3].

    In summary, with the warming weather and favorable tides, today is shaping up to be an excellent day for fishing in the Savannah River. Make sure to hit those deep spots with the right lures and baits, and don't be surprised if you end up with a full cooler by the end of the day. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report for the Savannah River February 7, 2025 - Primed for Action on Trout, Bass, and More

    Fishing Report for the Savannah River February 7, 2025 - Primed for Action on Trout, Bass, and More
    Feb 7 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Savannah River for February 7, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at mostly sunny skies with a high of about 79 degrees and a low of 59 degrees tonight. The wind is calm, blowing at about 5 to 7 mph, which is perfect for a day out on the water[2][5].

    Now, let's dive into the tidal report. While I don't have the exact tidal times for today, generally speaking, the best fishing times around Savannah are during the changing tides. Early morning and late afternoon are usually prime times to catch some of the bigger fish.

    Sunrise today is around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 6:00 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get out there and reel in some beauties.

    Fish activity has been a bit sluggish due to the recent cold snap, but things are starting to warm up. In the upper and middle sections of the Savannah River, you can expect to catch freshwater species like Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout, as well as Yellow Perch, Crappie, and various types of Bass, including Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Striped[3].

    As you move down to the lower section of the river, which is more like an estuary, you'll start to see saltwater fish like Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and even Alligator Gar. Recently, anglers have had success catching crappie, catfish, and warmouth in the lower river areas[4].

    For inshore fishing, particularly in the Ogeechee River, Capt. David Newlin recommends using live mullet and shrimp on the bottom in 15 to 20 feet of water. Redfish and stripers have been biting well, and you might even catch some redfish mixed in with the stripers. A white Gulp Swimming Mullet on a 1/8-oz. jig head fished very slowly can work wonders. For sheepshead, fiddler crabs around coastal structures are a good bet[1].

    If you're targeting trout, they're in deeper places right now, and small artificials like crappie jigs or small screw tails in green, white, or pink can be effective. Just remember to fish your lures really slow, just off the bottom[1].

    For some hot spots, I recommend checking out the creek mouths and deep curves in the creeks around the Ogeechee River. The Savannah Snapper Banks, though a bit of a ride, can also be very rewarding for those willing to venture out[1].

    Lastly, don't forget that Georgia and South Carolina have a reciprocal fishing agreement, so you can fish the border waters of the Savannah River System with either state's fishing license, as long as you have one[3].

    So, grab your gear, and let's make the most of this beautiful day on the water. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Savannah River Fishing Report: Redfish, Trout, and More in the Cold February Bite

    Savannah River Fishing Report: Redfish, Trout, and More in the Cold February Bite
    Feb 5 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Savannah River area in Georgia and South Carolina as of February 5, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. We've just come off one of the coolest Januarys in a long time, with even some snow on the dock, which is unheard of around here. As of today, the temperatures are still on the cooler side, with highs expected in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s. This cold water has the fish moving a bit slower, but that doesn't mean they're not biting.

    The tidal report from the National Weather Service indicates that the water levels are relatively normal, with no significant flooding or tidal anomalies to worry about. Sunrise today is at 7:20 AM EST, and sunset will be at 5:57 PM EST, giving us a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. In the inshore areas, the redfish and speckled trout are still active, despite the cold. Capt. David Newlin reports that the redfish and stripers have been biting well in the Ogeechee River, particularly on the bottom with live mullet and shrimp in 15 to 20 feet of water. These fish are in a slow-motion biting mode due to the cold water temps, so you'll need to fish your lures really slow, just off the bottom. A white Gulp Swimming Mullet on a 1/8-oz. jig head fished very slowly can work wonders.

    For speckled trout, they tend to be in deeper places during this time of year. Small artificials like crappie jigs or small screw tails in green, white, or pink can be effective. Sheepshead are also a good target in coastal waters, especially around structure like docks and artificial reefs. Use a fiddler crab for the best results.

    If you're looking to venture out a bit further, the live-bottom areas of the Savannah Snapper Banks are great for catching large black sea bass, trigger fish, and various species of porgy. Squid is a universal bait that works well here, especially when the water is cold.

    For some hot spots, I recommend checking out the Wassaw Sound and the Wilmington River for redfish and trout. The Isle of Hope and the Vernon River are also excellent spots, especially for trout during the colder months. If you're after sheepshead, the Bull River Bridge and Tybee Island’s back river are your best bets.

    In terms of specific lures and bait, live shrimp and mullet are always winners in these waters. For artificials, a white bucktail jig and bright-colored Rapalas can work well for stripers and redfish. For sheepshead, stick with fiddler crabs, and for trout, those small artificials mentioned earlier will do the trick.

    Lastly, if you're having a tough day, don't forget about the catfish up the river. A dead shrimp on the bottom can save your day when nothing else is biting.

    So, grab your gear, bundle up, and get out there. The fish are waiting, and with the right approach, you'll be reeling them in no time. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • "Savannah River Stripers and Hybrids: A January Fishing Forecast"

    "Savannah River Stripers and Hybrids: A January Fishing Forecast"
    Jan 31 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Savannah River for January 31st, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, you can expect a low tide at 3:06 AM with a height of -0.3 meters (-0.97 feet), followed by a high tide at 9:14 AM reaching 2.37 meters (7.79 feet). The next low tide will be at 3:41 PM with a height of -0.29 meters (-0.96 feet), and the final high tide of the day will hit at 9:30 PM, reaching 2.22 meters (7.29 feet)[2].

    Weather-wise, it's been quite chilly, which is typical for this time of year. The cold weather has been grouping the fish tighter, making them easier to find.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The Savannah River is a hotspot for stripers and hybrids, especially as we move into the colder months. Guide Wendell Wilson suggests that in January, the bite for striped bass should be even better than in December, as the fish get into tighter groups in the cold. You can catch these fish by throwing artificials or covering water by pulling herring on free-lines and planer boards. Following the birds is key, as they often indicate where the fish are feeding[5].

    For stripers and hybrids, topwater lures have been surprisingly effective, even during the brightest part of the day and in clear water. Guide Mike McSwain recommends using topwater lures, as these fish will hit them all day long. If you're looking for a different approach, jigging spoons, drop shots, and jigs can also be very effective, especially in the deeper parts of the main lake and at the mouths of creeks[3][5].

    Bass fishing is also promising in this area. Bass tend to be deeper in the main lake and at the mouths of creeks during January. Jigging spoons, drop shots, and jigs are your best bets here. You might also catch a mixed bag of other species using minnows[5].

    If you're targeting smaller species, white and yellow perch are abundant and can be caught in excellent numbers. These fish will take minnows or spoons fished around deeper schools of bait[5].

    For hot spots, I recommend the area between Savannah River Park, which is north of I-20, all the way to Hammond’s Ferry Boat Ramp south of I-20. This stretch is very productive for stripers, hybrids, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. Using a kayak or canoe can help you get into the most productive waters, especially in the fastest-moving areas[3].

    In summary, today's fishing on the Savannah River looks promising, especially for those after stripers and hybrids. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you should be able to land some impressive catches. Don't forget to follow the birds and take advantage of the tidal changes to maximize your chances.

    Sunrise today is at 7:17 AM, and sunset will be at 5:56 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out there and reel in some big ones.

    Good luck, and tight lines
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    4 mins
  • Savannah River Fishing Report: Stripers, Reds, and More in the Chill of Winter

    Savannah River Fishing Report: Stripers, Reds, and More in the Chill of Winter
    Jan 30 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for the Savannah River, straddling the borders of Georgia and South Carolina.

    As of today, January 30, 2025, the weather is still feeling the chill of winter, with temperatures hovering around the mid-40s to low 50s. The recent snow and ice storm has left the fish a bit lethargic, but don't let that deter you – there's still plenty of action to be had.

    Sunrise today is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:45 PM, giving us a good window for some early morning and late afternoon fishing. The tidal report shows a moderate tide, which is ideal for targeting those saltwater species that start to mingle in the lower sections of the river.

    River gauges indicate that the water levels are rising, with the Clyo gauge on the Savannah River reading 6.4 feet and rising. This rise in water levels can sometimes make the fish a bit more scattered, but it also brings new opportunities as different species move into the changing environment.

    Recently, anglers have been catching a variety of fish in the Savannah River. In the upper and middle sections, freshwater species like Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, and Yellow Perch have been active. As you move down to the lower section, which is more like an estuary, you can expect to catch saltwater fish such as Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and even the occasional Alligator Gar or Sturgeon.

    Given the cold weather, Striped Bass are particularly active this time of year. For targeting Striped Bass, live shrimp, finger mullet, and threadfin herring are excellent baits. If you prefer artificial lures, 3-oz. lead heads with hair jigs rigged with 4-inch plastic worms or paddle tails in white are highly effective. The old-school broken-back lures like Chubs and Cisco Kid in red/white and black/silver colors are also worth a try.

    For those looking to catch Redfish, the lower river areas near the estuary are your best bet. Use jigs like Causeway Diamond Jigs with red or green small tube lures, or go with squid, cut fish, and shrimp on a bottom rig. Remember, presentation is key, especially in colder waters where the fish are less picky but more finicky about how the bait is presented.

    Hot spots to consider include the numerous backwater oxbows along the lower Savannah River, which offer excellent fishing for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. Another great spot is near the city of Savannah, where the Intracoastal Waterway intersects with the river, bringing a mix of freshwater and saltwater species.

    In summary, while the fish might be a bit lethargic due to the cold, the right lures and baits can still yield some great catches. So grab your gear, bundle up, and hit the waters of the Savannah River – it's time to reel in some memories.

    Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Savannah River Chilly Winter Fishing: Crappie, Bass Hotspots & Gear Tips for a Successful Day

    Savannah River Chilly Winter Fishing: Crappie, Bass Hotspots & Gear Tips for a Successful Day
    Jan 26 2025
    As of January 26, 2025, the fishing scene on the Savannah River is quite intriguing, despite the chilly winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal Report and Weather
    The tidal cycle for today shows a high tide at around 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the low 50s. Winds will be light, coming from the east at about 5-7 mph.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 5:43 PM, giving you a good window to catch both the morning and afternoon bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been somewhat lethargic due to the cold water temperatures, which are hovering around 44 degrees. However, there are still some active spots and species to target.

    ### Yesterday's Catch
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching a significant number of crappie, particularly in the deeper holes. Mark Vick and Thomas Carroll caught 28 crappie and a dozen big fliers by pitching popsicle and Tennessee shad Specktacular Jigs tipped with minnows in 16 to 19 feet of water[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For crappie, using minnows or small jigs like the Specktacular Jig is highly effective. Bass fishing, though slow, can be improved by targeting rocky banks and dock structures with small to medium crank baits, jigs, and soft plastics. For bass, try using a Shad Rap RS #5, Thunder Shad, or a Zoom Finesse worm with a 1/8-ounce weight rigged Texas style[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the lower Savannah River, particularly the backwater oxbows which offer good fishing for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. Another good area is around the docks and boat houses along the main river or just inside the mouths of coves, especially those with lots of brush under and around them[1][5].

    In summary, while the fish may be lethargic, targeting the right spots with the right lures and bait can still yield a good catch. Focus on the deeper holes for crappie and the rocky banks and dock structures for bass. Stay warm and enjoy your day on the Savannah River
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    3 mins
  • Savannah River Fishing Report: Tides, Targets, and Tactics for Cold Weather Anglers

    Savannah River Fishing Report: Tides, Targets, and Tactics for Cold Weather Anglers
    Jan 25 2025
    If you're planning to hit the Savannah River today, here’s what you need to know:

    First off, the tide is currently falling, with the next low tide at around 5:31 AM and the next high tide at 11:02 AM, according to the tidal charts[4].

    Weather-wise, it's been cold and windy, which is typical for this time of year. Make sure to bundle up and layer your clothing properly.

    Sunrise today is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 5:43 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

    Fish activity on the Savannah River has been decent despite the cold. Stripers and hybrids are the main targets here, especially in the areas between Savannah River Park and Hammond’s Ferry Boat Ramp[3].

    Yesterday, anglers reported catching some nice stripers and hybrids using topwater lures, which is unusual but effective even in clear water and during the day. Smallmouth bass are also present in these areas, and you can catch them by downsizing your lures[3].

    For stripers and hybrids, trolling small swim baits and casting inline spinners near fast-moving water are good strategies. Topwater lures like poppers and spooks can draw vicious strikes, even in bright daylight[3].

    If you prefer bait, live or artificial shad can be very effective. For smaller fish like bluegill, live grass shrimp or wigglers work well, especially around standing timber and beep stumps[1].

    Hot spots include the areas around Savannah River Park and Hammond’s Ferry Boat Ramp. Using a kayak or canoe can help you get into the most productive waters, especially over shoals and in fast-moving areas[3].

    So, grab your gear, dress warm, and get ready for some exciting fishing on the Savannah River. Good luck out there
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    2 mins
  • Savannah River Fishing Forecast: Tides, Weather, and Hot Spots for Bass, Crappie, and More

    Savannah River Fishing Forecast: Tides, Weather, and Hot Spots for Bass, Crappie, and More
    Jan 24 2025
    If you're planning to hit the Savannah River today, here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. As of January 24, 2025, the tidal conditions are as follows: the first high tide is at 3:36 AM with a height of 6.06 feet, the first low tide is at 10:08 AM with a height of 1.15 feet, the second high tide is at 3:49 PM with a height of 5.36 feet, and the second low tide is at 10:03 PM with a height of 0.65 feet.

    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees and a low of 36 degrees, and winds will be moderate, up to 15 mph. Sunrise is at 7:21 AM, and sunset will be at 5:50 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    Fish activity has been good lately, especially in the backwater oxbows and main river channels. Yesterday, anglers reported catching some nice largemouth bass, particularly around creek mouths using artificial lures like bucktails and large jigs. Bass up to 2.5 pounds and a few bowfin up to 8 pounds were caught. For panfish like bluegill and redear sunfish, crickets and worms fished under a bobber worked well.

    Bass, crappie, and catfish are the primary targets this time of year. Using artificial lures like jigs, three-foot Carolina rigs, and three- to four-inch Zoom finesse worms in the thicker brush piles have been effective. For catfish, fishing near the bottom in deep holes with cut bait or live bait has been productive. Crappie and bream are also active, especially around submerged brush and near the river's backwater oxbows.

    Some hot spots to consider include the backwater oxbows of the lower Savannah River and the creek mouths and areas around grass points and pockets. If you're after striped bass, topwaters and large jigs are your best bet. For panfish, switching to darker color jigs, tubes, or worms if the clouds move in can be beneficial.

    Given the strong tidal currents on the Savannah River, it's advisable to position your boat upstream of the area you want to fish, then cast down current and work your bait upstream. Heavy, quickly sinking baits are recommended to keep your lure near the more productive water near the bottom.

    Overall, the Savannah River is offering a great fishing experience this time of year, so make sure to take advantage of the favorable weather and tidal conditions.
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    3 mins