Fishing Forecast - Ogeechee River
Overview
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. The Ogeechee has a river bottom of primarily sand and silt.
Guide to Fishing and Floating the Ogeechee River in PDF (1.12 MB). This document contains access and fishing tip information and a color map with river-mile designations.
Contact Information: DNR Office: 912-727-2112
Best Bets: Redbreast Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Catfish
Ogeechee River - 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. Multiple flood events throughout 2024 should positively impact the population. Fall sampling indicated the numbers and growth of largemouth look very good and catch rates should be above average for the upcoming year.
Technique: Spinner baits along banks; flipping jigs and worms into tight cover along banks.
Target: One of the better areas is the upstream of the boat ramp on Highway 56 in Midville where largemouth bass up to 7 pounds are commonly caught.
Ogeechee River - Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
Prospect: The Ogeechee River contains populations of white catfish, channel catfish and bullheads. Decent river flows in the system over the last several years have been beneficial for fish populations, including catfish. The numbers and growth of catfish look good and catch rates should be above average for the upcoming year. Please refer below to the additional information regarding Flathead catfish.
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 around heavy cover. White catfish abundance increases closer to the estuary.
Ogeechee River - 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. High river flows over the past few years, especially flood events in 2024, have been highly beneficial to the population. Our Fall sampling indicated increased numbers throughout the Ogeechee River.
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.
Ogeechee River - Crappie
Prospect: Scattered pockets of black crappie provide exciting cold-weather fishing. Decent river flows in the system over the last several years have been beneficial for fish populations, including crappie. The numbers and growth of crappie look good and catch rates should be average for the upcoming year.
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 have recently been detected in WRDs annual catfish sampling. On-going extensive sampling is being conducted throughout the basin to remove and identify areas with Flatheads. Flathead catfish are non-native to the Ogeechee River and an could be devastating to native fish populations. We ask anglers to not release any Flatheads and report any sightings or information regarding the illegal introduction into the river by calling the TIP line at 1-800-241-4113, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
