Savannah River Fishing Report: Late Spring Bite, Tides, and Hot Spots for Bass, Reds, and Trout

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Saturday, May 24 Savannah River fishing report coming to you from the banks of Georgia and South Carolina. Sunrise is right around 6:20 AM and you can expect sunset just after 8:20 PM. As for the weather, we are deep into late spring and it’s already heating up—look for afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s with humidity creeping in. Water temps are running in the upper 70s to around 80, which is prime for fish activity, especially early and late in the day before the heat really sets in[2]. Tidal-wise, if you’re hitting the lower Savannah near the estuary, today’s low tides are still your best window for working live bait for shrimp or casting for redfish. Small brown shrimp are showing up heavy in the system and with more bait comes more action. River menhaden, about four inches, are also thick some days and make a top-notch bait for redfish and seatrout. If you want live bait, check Mr. Mosely’s shop in Thunderbolt, but call ahead as they’re selling out quick. Don’t sleep on dead shrimp or cut mullet either—both have been landing plenty of inshore fish lately[1]. For lure anglers, topwaters at dawn can get you lit up by river bass in clearer stretches near Augusta and Port Wentworth. Since the water is warmer, bass are feeding hard on shad and blueback herring, especially around shallow points and structure. After the morning bite tapers off, switch to flukes or spinnerbaits. Around midday, move deeper along submerged timber and brush if you’re after stripers—they’re chasing the herring schools slipping out to 40-50 feet as the sun climbs higher[3][4]. If panfish are on your agenda, this is the time for big numbers. Reports from just west on the Alapaha say catches of over 100 fish per trip aren’t rare. Here on the Savannah, bluegill and redbreast are hammering Satilla Spins and Betts Spins in eddies, creek mouths, and along shady banks[2]. Catfish fans are having a stellar run too, especially on cut herring and menhaden. Flatheads and channel cats are biting everywhere from sandbars to deep holes, and some big fish are rolling in after sunset[3]. Hot spots today include the backwaters near Port Wentworth for redfish, shrimp, and panfish, and the shallows around Turner’s Creek near Thunderbolt for early morning striper and bass action. If it’s seatrout you’re after, the mouth of the river around Fort Pulaski has been steady on a falling tide, especially with live or dead shrimp. That sums it up—fish early, keep an eye on the tides, and don’t be afraid to toss dead bait if you come up short on the live stuff. Good luck and tight lines from your pal, Artificial Lure! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.