HEREAugusta
Augusta GA
Fishing
Report
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, GA DNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Richmond lakes and rivers.
Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 3 Waters Profiled
First Look • Fishing Conditions
🌑
New Moon
Illumination: 97%
70°F
67°F
7 mph
1016
as of 12:20 PM ET
Excellent — new moon triggers peak feeding activity. Fish are most aggressive near dawn and dusk.
Richmond • Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) GA
Your Local Fishing Resource
HEREAugusta is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and GA DNR regulations across Richmond. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.
Current Conditions • Augusta Waters
Species Status
Largemouth Bass
HOT
Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate.
Top BaitCrankbait, Swimbait, Jig
Depth10-20 ft structure
Smallmouth Bass
FAIR
River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required.
Top BaitTube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig
DepthShoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft
Crappie
ACTIVE
Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure.
Top BaitSmall Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float
Depth12-20 ft brush
Catfish
ACTIVE
Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings.
Top BaitCut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait
DepthChannel edges, 10-30 ft
Bluegill / Bream
FAIR
Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure.
Top BaitCricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz)
DepthSpawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft
Trout
ACTIVE
Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding.
Top BaitPowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner
DepthStocked areas — designated lakes and streams
Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Richmond waters. Always verify GA DNR regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out.
Report a Bite Update
First Look
Weather & Fishing Conditions
70F
Light Rain
Feels like 70°F
as of 12:20 PM ET
Wind
7 mph S
Humidity
100%
Pressure
1016 hPa
Est. Water Temp
67°F
Moon
New Moon
Sunrise / Sunset
7:27 am / 7:02 pm
Location
Augusta, GA
On-the-Water Tips
- Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
- Overcast and light rain conditions are often the best fishing weather. Fish shallow and aggressive — bass are less wary.
- Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move — work moving baits and cover water quickly.
- New and full moons are the best fishing phases. Solunar peak periods fall near sunrise and sunset — be on the water at first light.
Solunar Index
Fishing Conditions Dashboard
Air Temperature
70°F
Optimal Bite
Wind Speed
7 mph
Light Breeze
Barometric Pressure
1016 hPa
Falling — Feeding!
Moon Phase
🌑
Prime
Extended Outlook
5-Day Fishing Forecast
TODAY
Showers And Thunderstorms
75° / 69°
13 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
SUN
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
78° / 64°
11 mph wind • 0% humidity
GOOD
COL
Sunny
86° / 62°
9 mph wind • 0% humidity
FAIR
TUE
Sunny
89° / 64°
3 mph wind • 0% humidity
GOOD
WED
Sunny
89° / 64°
3 mph wind • 0% humidity
GOOD
Lakes & Rivers
Water Body Profiles
3 fishing waters within Richmond — with species, access, tips, and restrictions.
J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill Lake)
Reservoir (USACE)
Largemouth Bass
Striped Bass
Crappie
Bluegill
Channel Catfish
Hybrid Striper
Angler Tip
Savannah River (Augusta tailwater)
River
Striped Bass
Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish
White Bass
Angler Tip
Phinizy Swamp WMA
Wildlife Management Area / wetland
Largemouth Bass
Bluegill
Catfish
Bowfin
Angler Tip
Did We Miss a Spot?
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Report a Fishing SpotLocal Experts
Field Guides
No Augusta-area fishing guides are listed yet.
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List Your Guide ServiceCommunity Reviews
I Fished Here
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Community
Here We...
Reel Them In...
Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Augusta anglers.
Cast Them Cold...
Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed?
Coverage
Fishing News HERE
Local — Augusta and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)
More at Outdoor Sports
Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Augusta and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) GA
Tackle, Rods and Reels
Essential Gear HERE
Gear reviews and picks for the Augusta angler — rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) GA waters.
Gear Reviews — Tested for Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) GA Waters
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Learn About Gear AdvertisingGeorgia DNR
GA DNR Regulations
License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Richmond waters. Always verify current regulations at gadnr.org.
SC Fishing Licenses
Bag & Size Limits — Augusta Waters
Special Rules & Alerts for Augusta Waters
- Municipal Lakes: Boating permits may be required from Augusta Water. Gas motor HP restrictions may apply — check current municipal-water rules before launching.
- Select-Lake Rules: Some lakes enforce larger minimum sizes for black bass or combined daily limits. Verify closures with GA DNR before fishing.
- Electric-Only Lakes: Some state-park and municipal lakes prohibit gasoline engines and enforce reduced creel limits. Verify with GA DNR.
- Free Fishing Days 2026: May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 — no fishing license required on these two days.
- Rivers: Statewide creel limits typically apply. Boating permits generally not required. GA DNR fishing license required for anglers 16+.
Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with Georgia Department of Natural Resources at gadnr.org or by calling the GA DNR Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Augusta Water) may be set separately from GA DNR.
Spawn Timing & Key Dates
Season Calendar
SC DNR stocks May-June annually
SC DNR stocks November-January
Bottom fishing with cut bait
Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Richmond water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. GA DNR trout stocking schedules are published annually — visit gadnr.org for exact dates and stocking locations.
Questions and Answers
Fishing FAQ
Common questions about fishing in the Augusta area, answered.
-
Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a GA fishing license to fish public waters in Richmond. GA residents get a resident license; non-residents pay a higher fee. Licenses are available at gadnr.org or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days — May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 — require no license.
-
Richmond has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult GA DNR for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. Municipal lakes may require a boating permit from Augusta Water — check locally before launching.
-
The best crappie fishing in Richmond is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools.
-
Yes — kayak fishing is well-suited for Augusta lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult GA DNR for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points.
-
Rivers near Augusta typically hold a diverse bass fishery — largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult GA DNR for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches.
-
GA DNR stocks select Richmond waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the GA DNR website at https://gadnr.org — search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current GA DNR schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Augusta.