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Fishing around Savannah
AI field guide · refreshed weeklySavannah Fall Fishing: September Transition
What's biting
Largemouth Bass
Where: Freshwater ponds, cypress swamps, and slow backwater creeks throughout the Savannah area; try the Savannah River oxbow lakes and coastal marshes where fresh water meets brackish.
Early fall is prime—water temps are dropping and bass move shallow to feed. Use topwater plugs and soft plastics (4–6 inch) in low-light conditions; target structure like fallen trees and marsh edges. Dawn and dusk are best.
Caution: Verify current season status and daily bag limits with Georgia DNR before fishing.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Where: Tidal creeks, salt marshes, and estuaries around Savannah; Calibogue Sound and the Wilmington River are reliable.
September redfish are aggressive as water cools slightly; sight-cast to tailing fish in shallow marsh flats at high tide, or work deeper holes at low tide with live mullet or shrimp. Spin or fly tackle both work.
Caution: Check Georgia DNR for current slot limits and season rules; redfish are regulated.
Spotted Seatrout
Where: Shallow grass flats and creek mouths in brackish marshes; Wassaw Sound and the Ogeechee River estuary hold good populations.
Trout are active in early fall; cast small soft plastics (2–3 inch) or live shrimp to grass edges and drop-offs. Fish the incoming tide for best results; morning sessions are most productive.
Caution: Seatrout are regulated; confirm season and size limits with Georgia DNR.
Flounder (Southern Flounder)
Where: Sandy bottoms and channel edges in tidal creeks and the lower Savannah River; deeper holes in salt marshes.
Fall migration is underway; flounder move to deeper water as temps drop. Drift live mullet or shrimp along channel edges, or cast small soft plastics and work them slowly along the bottom.
Caution: Flounder have specific regulations; verify season dates and size/bag limits at georgiawildlife.com.
Catfish (Channel & Blue)
Where: Deep holes and channel structure in the Savannah River, coastal creeks, and freshwater ponds; anywhere with current and cover.
Catfish feed aggressively in fall; use chicken liver, cut mullet, or stink bait fished on the bottom near structure. Fish dawn, dusk, or night for best results; heavier tackle handles the strong current.
Caution: No specific season for catfish in Georgia, but always check DNR for any updates to regulations.
Best times
Early morning (06:00–08:00) and dusk (18:00–20:00) are most productive. The incoming tide favors saltwater species; the new moon on 11 September will bring stronger tidal movement. Rain expected mid-week (10–12 Sept) will cool water and trigger feeding.
Waters to try
- Savannah River (oxbow lakes and lower estuary), Calibogue Sound, Wilmington River, Wassaw Sound, Ogeechee River estuary, coastal salt marshes and tidal creeks throughout the Savannah area.
Regulations
All species are regulated by Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. Verify current season dates, daily bag limits, and size restrictions at https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing before each trip. Licensing is required; purchase online or at local retailers.
Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division ↗The fishing note for Savannah, every week
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