Savannah River Fishing Report Memorial Day 2023

Howdy folks, this is Artificial Lure coming at y'all with your Memorial Day fishing report for the Savannah River area on this fine Monday morning, May 26th. Water conditions are looking promising with the Savannah River at Clyo showing around 12.6 feet and falling based on last week's measurements. That's good news for us anglers looking to get out there today. The heat's really kicked in these past couple weeks, pushing water temps up to the 80s in most freshwater spots. Those temperatures got the fish good and hungry, which means it's prime time to get your lines wet. For you striper and hybrid chasers, they've been moving deeper as the water warms up. Early morning action can still be found off mid-depth points, but as the day heats up, expect them to head for cooler, deeper water. Them down-rod techniques will be your best bet today. Live herring has been outperforming artificial baits, but if you're like me and prefer artificials, topwater lures and flukes can still entice a strike early in the day. Crappie fishing has been solid post-spawn. They're back to feeding again and hanging around mid-depth brush in the creeks. Simple minnow rigs have been effective. By now, with the warm temperatures we're having, they might be moving to deeper water. Inshore around Savannah, small brown shrimp are showing up in local waterways. They'll only be around a few weeks, but more bait means more fish. River menhaden about 4 inches long have been thick some days and make good redfish and sea trout bait. Word from Mr. Mosely's bait shop in Thunderbolt is that bait's flying off the shelves. His son Christian says demand is strong, so call ahead before making the trip. Don't get locked into live shrimp only – dead bait can work wonders when shrimp ain't abundant. For catfish enthusiasts, the lower Satilla produced some monsters recently with a tournament-winning 10-fish limit of flatheads totaling 275 pounds, including a 37-pounder. Hot spots to try today include the deeper structures around Doctortown where the fish are seeking cooler water, and the brush piles around Abbeville for crappie. For inshore action, the areas around Thunderbolt have been producing well. Best baits right now are live herring for stripers, minnows for crappie, and for inshore fishing, those small brown shrimp or river menhaden if you can get 'em. If you're throwing artificials, Satilla Spins and Betts Spins have been producing good catches of redbreast and bluegill. Tight lines and good fishing to ya this Memorial Day! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.