Georgia River Fishing Information

Ogeechee River (upstream of U.S. Hwy. 17)

Dams do not regulate the Ogeechee.  The river rises and falls according to the amount of rainfall in its watershed, creating a unique fishing opportunity. This natural fluctuation in river level plays an important role in fish growth, reproductive success and ultimately fishing. a river bottom of primarily sand and silt.   

Guide to Fishing and Floating the Ogeechee River [1] in PDF (1.12 MB).  This document contains access and fishing tip information and a color map with river-mile designations.

Prospects and Fishing Tips

Best Bets

REDBREAST SUNFISH, LARGEMOUTH BASS, BLACK CRAPPIE & CATFISH

Largemouth bass
Prospect	The Ogeechee has historically maintained a healthy largemouth population. The fishing is best during the springtime, particularly in April, as water temperatures rise. During 2011, the Ogeechee River fish populations were heavily impacted by a fish kill that began approximately 3.5 miles above the Highway 301 Bridge crossing and extended nearly 70 river miles downstream to the area of the Hwy 204 Bridge crossing. WRD initiated fish stocking efforts to enhance the populations in 2011, however, catch rates for large fish will likely remain low due the low numbers of larger-sized fish present after the fish kill and delayed growth of fish due to persistent drought conditions. Catch rates of these larger fish should increase as river levels rise and younger fish grow.
Technique	Spinner baits along banks; flipping jigs and worms into tight cover along banks.
Target	One of the better areas is the railroad trestle upstream of the boat ramp on Highway 56 in Midville where largemouths up to 6 pounds commonly are caught.

Catfish
Prospect	The Ogeechee River contains populations of white catfish, channel catfish and bullheads. During 2011, the Ogeechee River fish populations were heavily impacted by a fish kill that began approximately 3.5 miles above the Highway 301 Bridge crossing and extended nearly 70 river miles downstream to the area of the Hwy 204 Bridge crossing. Although populations have begun to recover, catch rates for large fish will likely remain low due to the low numbers of larger-sized fish present after the fish kill and delayed growth of fish due to persistent drought conditions. Catch rates of these larger fish should increase as river levels rise and younger fish grow.
Technique	Typical catfish bait (i.e. worms, cut-bait, etc.) fished near the bottom of the river in relatively deep holes produce good results.
Target	Catfish are generally concentrated where there is a combination of swift water and heavy cover. White catfish abundance increases closer to the estuary.

Bream
Prospect	The Ogeechee River has historically contained one of the best redbreast fisheries in the state. In addition to redbreast sunfish, other bream species present include bluegill, redear sunfish and spotted sunfish. During 2011, the Ogeechee River fish populations were heavily impacted by a fish kill that began approximately 3.5 miles above the Highway 301 Bridge crossing and extended nearly 70 river miles downstream to the area of the Hwy 204 Bridge crossing. WRD initiated fish stocking efforts to enhance the populations in 2011, however, catch rates for large fish will likely remain low due the low numbers of larger sized fish present after the fish kill and delayed growth of fish due to persistent drought conditions. Catch rates of these larger fish should increase as river levels rise and these younger fish grow.
Technique	Crickets and worms fished under a bobber are effective live bait techniques. For artificial lures, consider small beetle spins, rooster tails, and popping bugs.
Target	Redbreasts are plentiful in backwaters and slower moving sections of the main channel.

Crappie
Prospect	Scattered pockets of black crappie provide exciting cold-weather fishing. During 2011, the Ogeechee River fish populations were heavily impacted by a fish kill that began approximately 3.5 miles above the Highway 301 Bridge crossing and extended nearly 70 river miles downstream to the area of the Hwy 204 Bridge crossing. Although populations have begun to recover, catch rates for large fish will likely remain low due the low numbers of larger-sized fish present after the fish kill and delayed growth of fish due to persistent drought conditions. Catch rates of these larger fish should increase as river levels rise and younger fish grow.
Technique	Small minnows are the most popular live bait. Small artificial jigs (screw tail or feathered) also can be effective.
Target	Fish tend to be concentrated around submerged trees and brush around the mouths of oxbows.

Additional Information

Flathead catfish are non-native to the Ogeeche River and an illegal introduction of the species would be devastating to native fish populations. Report any information regarding the illegal introduction of flatheads into the river by calling the TIP line at 1-800-241-4113, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Best Fishing Times Key

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