What the Savannah River Offers
The Savannah River runs 314 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic, forming the border between Georgia and South Carolina. For anglers, it splits into three distinct sections: the upper river above Hartwell Dam (fast-moving, rocky, cold-water habitat), the middle section between Hartwell and Savannah (a series of lakes created by dams), and the lower river below Savannah (tidal estuary). Each section holds different species and demands different tactics.
The middle section — the lakes — is where most recreational fishing happens. Hartwell Lake, Richard B. Russell Lake, and Thurmond Lake (also called Clarks Hill) are all part of the same river system and all hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The upper river above Hartwell is colder and faster, favoring smallmouth bass and walleye. The lower tidal section near Savannah holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder. Water levels fluctuate because of dam releases, which affects where fish hold and how accessible certain areas are.
Key Takeaways
- The Savannah River has three distinct fishing zones — upper rocky sections, middle lakes, and lower tidal estuary — each with different species and seasons.
- Hartwell Lake, Russell Lake, and Thurmond Lake are the main destinations for bass and catfish, with public boat ramps at multiple locations on each lake.
- A Georgia fishing license is required on the Georgia side; a South Carolina license on the South Carolina side; some anglers carry both to fish either bank.
- Water releases from dams can change river conditions rapidly, so check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before you go, especially if wading or fishing near the dam.
- Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most productive seasons for bass; summer is better for catfish and crappie.
Hartwell Lake: The Largest and Most Accessible
Hartwell Lake covers 56,000 acres and straddles the Georgia-South Carolina border. It is the northernmost of the three main lakes and the closest to the Blue Ridge foothills. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Largemouth bass fishing is strongest in spring (March through May) when fish move into shallow coves to spawn, and again in fall (September through November) when water cools. Summer can be productive for catfish, especially at night.
Public boat ramps on the Georgia side include Tugaloo State Park (near the dam), Burroughs Park, and several Corps of Engineers ramps. On the South Carolina side, ramps are available at Hartwell State Park and multiple Corps locations. Most ramps charge a small day-use fee or are free. The lake is large enough that you can find quiet water away from the main channel, but the upper arms (toward the dam) tend to be shallower and more productive for bass than the lower, wider sections.
Hartwell's water level can drop 10 to 15 feet between summer and winter as the Corps manages flow for power generation and flood control. This affects where structure sits relative to the shoreline and where fish congregate. If you fish Hartwell regularly, tracking the water level on the Corps website helps you predict where bass will be.
Russell Lake and Thurmond Lake: Quieter Alternatives
Richard B. Russell Lake (created by Russell Dam, completed in 1985) sits between Hartwell and Thurmond and is smaller and less crowded than Hartwell. It holds the same species — largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie — and responds to the same seasonal patterns. Spring and fall are best for bass; summer for catfish. The lake has fewer public ramps than Hartwell, but Wildwood Park and several Corps ramps provide access on both sides of the state line.
Thurmond Lake (also called Clarks Hill Lake) is the largest of the three by surface area (70,000 acres) but is also the southernmost and warmest. It holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, and some striped bass. The stripers are a bonus — they school in deeper water and are most active in early morning and late evening, especially in spring and fall. Public ramps include Modoc Park, Parksville Park, and multiple Corps locations on both the Georgia and South Carolina sides.
Thurmond is known for producing large catfish, particularly blue catfish and channel catfish. Night fishing with cut bait or chicken liver is a reliable method from June through September. The lake is also popular with crappie anglers in spring (March and April) when crappie move into shallow brush and fallen trees to spawn.
The Upper River: Smallmouth and Walleye Above Hartwell Dam
Above Hartwell Dam, the Savannah River is a flowing river, not a lake. The water is colder, faster, and rockier than the impounded sections below. This section holds smallmouth bass and walleye, along with some largemouth bass in slower pools. The upper river is best fished in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Summer heat can push fish into deeper, faster water where they are harder to reach from shore.
Access to the upper river is limited compared to the lakes. The most reliable public access is at Tallulah Falls (downstream of the dam) and at several pull-offs along Georgia Highway 441 near the dam. Wading is possible in many sections, but the river can rise quickly when the Corps releases water for power generation. Check the Corps website or call ahead to confirm water levels and release schedules before you wade.
Smallmouth bass in the upper river respond well to crankbaits, soft plastics, and live shiners. Walleye are less common but present, especially in deeper pools and around structure. The upper river is less crowded than the lakes and appeals to anglers who prefer a flowing-water experience to lake fishing.
The Lower River and Tidal Estuary: Saltwater Species Near Savannah
Below Savannah, the Savannah River becomes tidal and brackish. Saltwater species — redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder — replace the freshwater bass and catfish. This section is best fished from May through October when water temperatures support active feeding. Redfish are most abundant in shallow flats and marsh edges. Spotted seatrout prefer deeper channels and structure. Flounder hold on sandy bottoms and around pilings.
Access to the lower river is primarily through Savannah-area marinas and public boat ramps. Skidaway Island State Park has a ramp, as do several commercial marinas. This section requires saltwater tactics — live shrimp, mullet, or small baitfish — and knowledge of tidal movement. Tides here are significant and affect where fish feed and rest. High tide pushes fish into shallow marsh areas; low tide concentrates them in deeper channels.
The lower river is a different fishery from the lakes and upper river. If you are interested in saltwater species, it is worth a separate trip from your lake fishing. The drive from the lakes to Savannah is roughly two to three hours depending on which lake you start from.
Licenses, Regulations, and Seasonal Closures
Georgia residents need a Georgia fishing license to fish the Georgia side of the river. South Carolina residents need a South Carolina license for the South Carolina side. If you fish both banks, you need both licenses. Licenses are available online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources websites, at sporting goods stores, and at some marinas. A three-day license is cheaper than a full-year license if you are visiting for a weekend.
Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit on all three lakes (Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond) with a daily creel limit of five fish per angler. Catfish have no minimum length and no daily limit. Crappie have a 9-inch minimum and a daily limit of 30 fish. Walleye in the upper river have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. These regulations can change, so check the current Georgia or South Carolina fishing guide before you go.
There are no seasonal closures on the lakes themselves, but water level changes and dam releases affect fishing conditions. Winter drawdowns (November through February) lower water levels significantly, which can make launching difficult at some ramps and concentrate fish in deeper water. Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season across all three lakes.
Planning Your Trip: Seasons, Weather, and What to Bring
Spring (March through May) is the best overall season for the Savannah River lakes. Water temperatures are rising, bass are spawning and feeding actively, and weather is mild. Expect daytime temperatures in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit and occasional rain. Mornings are cool, so bring a light jacket.
Summer (June through August) is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Bass fishing slows as fish move deeper, but catfish and crappie remain active, especially at night. Early morning and evening are the most productive times. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Water cools, bass feed actively again, and weather is comfortable. Daytime temperatures range from the 70s in September to the 50s in November. Bring layers because mornings and evenings are cool.
Winter (December through February) is slow for most species. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s. Bass are less active, but they can still be caught in deeper water with slow presentations. Water levels drop significantly as the Corps manages flow for the year ahead. Some ramps become difficult to access. If you fish in winter, check water levels and ramp conditions before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Savannah River?
A boat is helpful but not required. The lakes have shoreline access at parks and ramps where you can fish from the bank. The upper river above Hartwell can be waded in many sections. The lower tidal estuary is best fished from a boat, but some areas have shore access. If you do not own a boat, many marinas near the lakes rent fishing boats by the day.
What is the best time of day to fish?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (late afternoon to sunset) are most productive for bass. Catfish and crappie are active throughout the day and night. In summer, night fishing for catfish is often more productive than daytime fishing because water temperatures are cooler.
How do dam releases affect fishing?
The Corps of Engineers releases water from the dams to manage power generation and flood control. Releases can raise water levels and increase current, which affects where fish hold and how accessible certain areas are. Check the Corps website before you go, especially if you plan to wade. Releases are usually scheduled in advance and posted online.
Can I catch striped bass on the Savannah River?
Striped bass are present in Thurmond Lake and occasionally in Russell Lake, but they are not abundant. They school in deeper water and are most active in early morning and late evening in spring and fall. If stripers are your target, Thurmond is your best option, but expect to work harder than you would for largemouth bass.
What should I do if I catch a fish I do not recognize?
Take a photo and compare it to the Georgia or South Carolina fishing guide, which has pictures of all legal species and size limits. If you are unsure whether it is legal to keep, release it. The fishing guides are available online and at most marinas and tackle shops.