Back River Fishing Pier Overview

Back River Fishing Pier sits on the Savannah River in downtown Savannah, Georgia, offering public access to one of the state's most productive saltwater fisheries. The pier extends into waters that hold redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and tarpon depending on season and tide. It is a working commercial pier with a long history, and fishing access is free — you do not need a license to fish from it, though you will need one if you wade or fish from a boat in Georgia waters.

The pier is located at the foot of River Street in the historic district, making it accessible by car and foot. Parking is available nearby, though it fills quickly during peak season and weekends. The pier itself is concrete, sturdy, and open to the public during daylight hours. Conditions can change rapidly with tide and weather, so timing your visit matters more here than at many other Georgia piers.

Key Takeaways

  • Back River Fishing Pier requires no fishing license and charges no fee, but you must fish during daylight hours when the pier is open to the public.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the most common catches spring through fall, with flounder more reliable in cooler months and tarpon possible in summer.
  • Incoming tide and the two hours around slack tide produce the most consistent action, while outgoing tide can be slow.
  • The pier is crowded on weekends and during summer; weekday mornings in spring and fall offer better conditions and fewer people.
  • Bring your own tackle, bait, and water — no facilities or bait shops are on the pier itself.

What Fish Are Here and When

Redfish are the pier's bread-and-butter species. They move into the shallows and along structure year-round, and the pier's pilings and rocky bottom hold them consistently. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak redfish months, though they bite through summer as well. Live mullet, live shrimp, and cut mullet all work; sight-casting to cruising fish in clear water is possible on calm mornings.

Spotted seatrout (called specks locally) are equally reliable and often larger than redfish. They prefer slightly deeper water than reds and respond well to small shrimp and soft plastics. The same seasonal pattern holds — spring and fall are best, but summer fishing can be productive if you fish early morning or late afternoon when water temperature drops.

Flounder move into the river in October and stay through March. They hold tight to the bottom and structure, so live mullet fished on the bottom near the pier's pilings is the standard approach. Winter flounder fishing here is often better than redfish fishing during the same months.

Tarpon show up in June and July, though not reliably every year. When they do appear, they are usually in the deeper channel water on the outgoing tide. Tarpon fishing from the pier is challenging — they are large, strong, and often break off — but the possibility keeps many anglers coming back.

Tides, Timing, and Conditions

Back River is tidal, and tide is the single most important factor in your success. Incoming tide pushes baitfish and gamefish into the shallows and against structure, creating feeding windows. The two hours around slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) can also be productive. Outgoing tide often slows the bite noticeably, though some fish still feed.

Check tide tables before you go — NOAA publishes them free online for Savannah. Plan to fish the incoming tide if you have a choice. Early morning (first light through mid-morning) is generally better than afternoon, especially in summer when heat slows the bite. Overcast days and days with light wind are more productive than bright, calm days.

Water clarity matters. After heavy rain, the river turns brown and fish bite less reliably. A few days of clear weather usually restores good conditions. Summer water temperature can exceed 85 degrees, which slows redfish and trout; fish early or wait for fall.

Tackle, Bait, and Rigging

Bring a medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) spooled with 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament. A 12-inch fluorocarbon leader (20 to 25 pounds) reduces visibility in clear water. Simple rigs work best: a single hook on a leader, or a small jig head with a soft plastic tail.

Live shrimp is the most versatile bait. Fish it under a small popping cork in shallow water, or on the bottom near structure. Live mullet (3 to 5 inches) works for redfish and tarpon and attracts larger fish overall. Cut mullet is cheaper and works nearly as well for redfish and flounder. Soft plastic shrimp and small swimbaits (2 to 3 inches) are effective if you prefer casting and retrieving.

You will need to bring bait with you — no bait shop operates on the pier. Local tackle shops on River Street sell live shrimp and mullet, but they close by mid-afternoon. Plan ahead or bring frozen bait from home.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Back River Fishing Pier is located at 1 River Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, at the foot of the historic River Street district. It is open during daylight hours; exact hours vary seasonally but generally run from sunrise to sunset. The pier is free to fish and requires no permit or license.

Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though spaces fill quickly on weekends and during summer. Street parking is limited and often metered. The pier itself has no shade, restrooms, or water fountains — bring sunscreen, a hat, and your own water. The concrete surface can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip.

The pier is part of the Savannah riverfront, so expect crowds, especially on weekends and during tourist season. Weekday mornings in spring and fall are quieter and often produce better fishing.

Regulations and License Requirements

You do not need a Georgia fishing license to fish from Back River Fishing Pier — it is a public pier and license-free fishing is allowed. However, if you wade into the water or fish from a private boat, you must have a valid Georgia fishing license. Licenses are inexpensive and available online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or at any tackle shop.

Saltwater species have size and bag limits. Redfish must be 18 to 27 inches (one fish per day over 27 inches); spotted seatrout must be 12 inches minimum (five per day); flounder must be 12 inches minimum (five per day). Tarpon has no size limit but a one-fish daily bag. Check current regulations before you fish — rules change and vary by water body.

When to Fish: Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (March–May) is excellent for redfish and trout. Water warms, baitfish move in, and fish feed aggressively. Crowds are moderate. This is one of the best times to fish the pier.

Summer (June–August) brings tarpon and heat. Morning fishing is productive; afternoon fishing is slow. The pier is crowded with tourists. Water temperature can exceed 85 degrees, which stresses fish.

Fall (September–November) rivals spring for quality fishing. Redfish and trout bite well, water temperature drops, and crowds thin out. This is the second-best season overall.

Winter (December–February) is flounder season. Redfish and trout bite less reliably, but flounder fishing can be excellent. The pier is quieter, and weather is mild compared to northern states, though rain and cold fronts are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from Back River Pier?

No. Public piers in Georgia do not require a license. If you wade into the water or fish from a boat, you will need a license, but fishing from the pier itself is license-free.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise through mid-morning) is most productive, especially in summer. Fish the incoming tide if you can — check NOAA tide tables before you go. Overcast days and days with light wind are better than bright, calm days.

Can I catch tarpon from this pier?

Yes, tarpon appear in June and July, though not every year. They are large, strong, and often break off, so tarpon fishing from the pier is challenging. When they do show up, fish the deeper channel water on the outgoing tide with live mullet.

Where do I get bait?

Tackle shops on River Street sell live shrimp and mullet, but they close by mid-afternoon. Plan ahead or bring frozen bait from home. The pier itself has no bait shop.

Is the pier crowded?

Yes, especially on weekends and during summer tourist season. Weekday mornings in spring and fall are quieter and often produce better fishing. The pier is open during daylight hours only.