Guide to fishing the Satilla River

Redbreast sunfis h account for over half of all fishing by Satilla anglers. The best redbreast fishing is usually during March-June, or when water levels recede to near 5 ft. at the Waycross gauge. One favorite method
of fishing for redbreast is to pitch a small lure such as a beetle spin, rooster tail, or popping bug underneath low-hanging limbs near the shoreline. Crickets pitched
against the bank with a bream-buster pole are a natural bait of choice, but earthworms fished on the bottom with a small "BB" sinker behind a larger "egg"
sinker also can produce trophy redbreast catches.

Largemouth bass fishing also picks up in March as water temperatures rise to over 60F and river levels
begin to recede. Some of the better bass fishing occurs in the oxbows of the lower river. Minnow-type lures and spinner baits are baits of choice; however,
brightly colored floating worms can also be effective. In the main river channel, bass orient toward cover (fallen trees, brush piles, rocks) that break up the river's
current. For best results, lures should be presented as close to cover as possible or just upstream and allowed to drift back to the target before retrieving.

The Bluegill's aggressive behavior makes them vulnerable to a variety of artificial lures such as small jigs, beetle spins and flies. Bluegill prefer the slow-
moving sections of the river and the still waters found in oxbow lakes. Peak bluegill fishing usually occurs in May when water temperatures stabilize above 70F
and remains good throughout the summer.

Spotted sunfish ("stumpknockers'J are smaller than both the redbreast and bluegill (generally less than 6 inches). They are marked with longitudinal
rows of brown or black spots. Spotted sunfish orient strongly to bank cover, such as cypress roots, and are most frequently caught using natural baits.

Chain pickerel may be found in the same areas targeted by bass fishermen, particularly when using minnow-type lures or spinner baits.

Channel catfish and bullheads are caught on the bottom with a variety of natural baits during the day and near brush in shallow water adjacent to deeper pools at sunrise, dusk and night.

Bottom Rig for Panfish - Bait with a small worm and fish deep channels or "drops" on outsides of bends.
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1 oz. egg sinker "BB" split shot sinker Small hook

Floating Rig - Flip a cricket or red wiggler underneath limbs to catch redbreast, bluegill and spotted sunfish.
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Small Float "BB" split shot sinker Small hook

The Satilla River is considered to be one of the most
scenic and natural rivers in south Georgia. Originating in Ben Hill County, the river takes a freeflowing and winding course for 260 miles before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the river's natural beauty, the Satilla offers opportunities for some great fishing (See Fishing Tips inside)!
Boating !iafety
1. Leave afloatplan with aresponsible person. 2. Makesure that the steering and throttlecontrols operate
properly and all boat and trailerlights areworking properly. 3. Check for fuel or oil leaks from thetank,fuel lines, and engine. 4. Check the fire extinguisher and drain plug. 5. Makesureyou have the required numberofpersonalflotation
devices (PFDs) in good condition and properly fitted. Learn moreat http://vNNt.gofishgeorgia.com/boating/education
BE AN ETHICAL ANGLER
Ethical anglers fish responsibly and consider the rights of others. They portray a positive image and help protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler. The future offishing depends upon it.
V~ Show courtesy to others, lend a helping hand whenever possible, and always ask permission before fishing on private property.
i f Know and obey fishing regulations. - -~ ., , _
_p Report violations and pollution.
~ 1-800-241-4113



Keep only the fish you can use and release all others properly so they



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will survive. Some fish species are endangered orthreatened.

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Appreciate the environment by not littering, dispose of fishing

line properly, and leave a place

cleaner than when you found it.

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p Pass on the trad ition! t7 Takemefishing.org
,p Don't transfer fish or plant species
~ between bodies of water. Non-
native species can adversely affect existing populations.
The flathead catfish was illegally stocked in the Satilla River and threatens the native fishes, particularly redbreast sunfish and other catfishes. Help protect our native fishes by keeping all !fatheads caught from the Satilla, and never move live fish or plants from one body of water to another.

Printed June 2012

Guide To
Fishing The
Satilla River
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WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SECTION 2070 U.S. HIGHWAY 278 S.E.
SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA 30025-4711 www.gofishgeorgia.com/

lUJ (nl General Coffee State Park

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Waycross

[ !.!]White Oak Creek Landing

iiffll Ammons Ferry Landing (Dirt Ramp)
~ River Mile 142 __J

fiii woodbine Landing
~ RiverMile2

fiinl 121 Bridge Landing
~ River Mile 146

fiii Burnt Fort Landing

[!!) Jaycees Landing

~ River Mile 52

River Mile 175

(!!J} fiiil 3-RLanding (private, launch feel

Axson Landing

~ River Mile 58

River Mile 208

i i i Ava Strickland Lightsey Landing ( ~ ] Atkinson County Landing

~ River Mile 93

River Mile 215

i i i 1 warner Landing

[!!] Odum Bluff Landing,Alabaha River

~ River Mile 97



i i i301 Bridge Landing ~ River Mile 117
riii)Herrin Lake Landing

(! ! ) Zirkle Landing, Little Satilla River
o Georgia Dept. of Natural Re?ources

~ River Mile 126

Fisheries Management Section

I IF.F.A. Landing River Mile 136

108 Darling Avenue Waycross, GA 31501
Phone: 912-285-6094

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Okefenokee National
Wildlife Refuge

and Wilderness Area

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Mileage Scale - --

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Legend

Launching Ramp

~ Camping Area

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U.S./GA Highway

DDllJCCll Paved County Road
.-,, Unpaved Road