Fishing Forecast - St. Marys River
Overview
The St. Marys River is a remote black water stream that originates in the Okefenokee Swamp and meanders for 130 miles until reaching the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end of Cumberland Island. With little development and few river crossings, the St. Marys River offers wilderness experience to those who travel its waters.
Contact Information: DNR Office: 912-727-2112
Best Bets: Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, White Catfish
- Catfish
- Bream
- Other Species
St. Marys River - Catfish
White Catfish
Prospect: The river supports a very healthy population of white catfish, followed by channel catfish, as well as yellow and brown bullheads. Strong numbers of Channel catfish are witnessed throughout the drainage while sampling. Flathead catfish have not yet established a population in the St. Mary's river, but may be caught while fishing for other species.
Technique: Use worms, chicken livers, cut bait fished on the bottom.
Target: Fish the deeper holes with cover, which are usually located on outside bends in the river.
St. Marys River - Bream
Redbreast Sunfish
Prospect: Anglers should find good numbers of bream this year, high water events over the previous few years has been beneficial for bream populations. Chances of catching a 6-inch redbreast sunfish are excellent, and an 8-10 inch fish is not out of the question. The river also supports a very healthy bluegill population, with fish weighing 1-pound or greater potentially being landed. Although not as numerous, good sized redear sunfish, aka "shellcrackers," and warmouth can be caught while bream fishing in the St. Marys.
Technique: For redbreast sunfish and warmouth: Crickets and worms are a given. Small lures, such as beetle-spins, work well when the water warms. For bluegill and redear sunfish, crickets and worms around pilings, and cover in the creeks and oxbows of the lower river are the best bets. Also, a lesser known South Georgia secret is the "catalpa worm," which can be lethal for larger sunfish species when fished on the bottom.
Target: Try launching a canoe or small jon boat at and floating downstream approximately 30 miles to for excellent redbreast fishing. For bluegill: Target the lower half of St. Marys, from Traders Hill Recreational Area downstream.
St. Marys River - Other Species
Largemouth Bass
Prospect: Though bass are not as plentiful as in other rivers, catch rates have been average over the past few years. Anglers certainly have the chance at a wall-hanger in the 8 to 10 pound range.
Technique: Try casting spinnerbaits and pitching jigs or worms around heavy cover in current breaks or backwater slough areas.
Target: Target the area of the lower river.
Additional Information
Fishing conditions are best when the USGS gage at MacClenny, FL reads between 3-8 feet.
