Savannah River Fishing Report: Redfish, Trout, and More in the Cold February Bite

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 This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.