Savannah River Fishing Report: Reds, Trout, and Bass Biting Strong This Fall

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your October 20th Savannah River fishing report, straight from the docks and backwaters right where Georgia meets South Carolina. Whether you’re a seasoned rod-bender or just tossing a line out for the first time, you’re going to want to pay attention—fall is in full swing and the fish are feeling frisky. Let’s start with the morning conditions. Air temps at sunrise were a comfortable 63 degrees, climbing to the upper 70s as the sun burns off some of last night’s river mist. Skies are mostly sunny with a light northeasterly breeze at about 8 knots—just enough to put a ripple on the water. Sunrise hit at 7:28 AM sharp and sunset is set for 6:47 PM, giving you a solid day of casting, but you’ll want to work those early hours hard. Today’s tidal swing is looking prime: High tide was at 5:56 AM, bringing in clean water, and the low tide rolls in around 12:14 PM. The incoming tide lines and drop-offs around Hutchinson Island and the downtown sections are producing the best action, especially on that falling tide when bait gets pushed out of the grass. Reports from local guides this week say the bite’s been strong. Spotted seatrout are packing into deeper holes and creek mouths closer to the salt—plenty of keepers hitting artificials and live shrimp under popping corks. Redfish have been tailing in the skinny water just after high tide, especially in the rice fields and marsh edges near Houlihan Bridge and the Back River. Mixed in, you’ll find a few flounder still lurking on sandy points, along with chunky black drum if you’re soaking bait. Best baits right now? Live shrimp has been doing the heavy lifting, either free-lined or drifted under a cork. Folks working artificials are finding success with Z-Man paddletails in electric chicken or new penny, tight to cover and worked slow on the drop. Topwater walkers like a Spook Jr. got some explosive strikes just after first light in the calm pockets. Striped bass are picking up with the cooler temps, especially around structure like the downtown pilings and the mouth of Abercorn Creek. Anglers tossing swimbaits or bucktail jigs are reporting some fine schoolie action, with a few bruisers stretching the line near the lock and dam areas. Bass anglers upriver are still plucking largemouths out of backwater sloughs on shaky heads and small crankbaits—natural colors are key with the water clearing up after last week’s rain. Catfish remain steady, too; fish the deeper bends with cut bait or chicken livers if you’re after a mess for the fryer. A couple hot spots to try today: The old rice canals at the mouth of Hardin Canal have been on fire for reds at the turn of the tide, and the flats off Elba Island cut are loaded up with hungry trout. Don’t pass up the deeper holes near Fields Cut, either—always a go-to when the mid-day sun gets high. Remember, the bite stays good right through dusk, especially with these mild temps holding for another week. Apprecia This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.