St. Marys and Nassau Rivers

Both coastal rivers give anglers the opportunity to catch a variety of freshwater species. When fishing the Saint Mary’s River, be sure to keep current on both Florida and Georgia regulations as rules change depending on your location. In the upper reaches of these rivers in lower salinity areas, Florida Bass, panfish, and catfish can all be taken. The Saint Mary’s River is known for its healthy populations of bluegills and redbreast sunfish. The shallower, vegetated banks are the most productive panfish fish habitats in these rivers. Woody snags or downed trees should be targeted as well. Live baits, such as worms and crickets, are great choices for panfish in these waters. Both the Nassau and the Saint Mary’s River support populations of Florida Bass as well. Bass anglers should target cypress stands and other woody structures with soft plastics or topwater baits along river shorelines. Good bass fishing can be found in the areas around King’s Ferry, Boulogne, and St. George. The post-spawn period and warming temperatures should increase bass feeding activity. In the lower stretches of these rivers’ anglers could target saltwater species including drum, seatrout, and flounder. Live bait is an effective way of taking these species, with mud-minnows, shrimp, and crabs being popular choices. Fish-imitating soft plastics and plugs are also effective ways to target these fish. Areas to target include current breaks, woody structure, and areas of hard bottom. Anglers looking to tangle with powerful striped bass should concentrate their efforts in the lower stretches of the St. Mary’s River, between I-95 and the town of St. Mary’s. Trolling plugs and casting shad-imitating jigs in deeper holes should produce fish.