The Savannah River traces the border between Georgia and South Carolina, stretching from the Appalachian foothills to the Atlantic Ocean. Its vast geographic reach and varied habitats, including mountain streams, massive reservoirs, and a dynamic estuary, support an exceptionally diverse array of fish species. The river’s ecological importance is shaped by its historical and ongoing management for navigation, flood control, and power generation. This system provides a unique case study in how natural hydrology and human intervention combine to create distinct freshwater and saltwater fisheries.
Freshwater Residents of the Upper and Middle River
The upper and middle sections of the Savannah River are dominated by a chain of large, interconnected reservoirs: Lake Hartwell, Lake Richard B. Russell, and J. Strom Thurmond Lake. These impoundments create deep, stable freshwater habitats supporting robust populations of non-migratory sport fish. Anglers frequently target Largemouth Bass and Spotted Bass, which thrive near submerged structures and rocky points.
The sunfish family is well-represented, including Bluegill (bream) and Redbreast Sunfish. These species provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly in the warmer months. Large Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish are also common in the deeper river channels and tributaries.
State agencies actively manage these fisheries, focusing significantly on landlocked populations of Striped Bass. These fish are stocked into the reservoirs to create a trophy fishery. Often called “linesides,” they grow large by feeding on abundant forage species like Blueback Herring and threadfin shad.
Anadromous Fish: The Migratory Species
The Savannah River is a historic migration corridor for species that move between fresh and saltwater. Anadromous species, which return to freshwater to spawn, include the American Shad and Hickory Shad. These fish undertake seasonal spawning runs, pushing upstream from the Atlantic Ocean between late winter and early spring.
The migratory stock of Striped Bass also relies on the lower river for spawning, as do the Atlantic Sturgeon and Shortnose Sturgeon. Historically, the Augusta Diversion Dam significantly blocked access to upstream spawning grounds. Current efforts, such as constructing a fish passage structure at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, aim to restore this connectivity.
The American Eel is a notable exception, exhibiting a catadromous life cycle; they spawn in the ocean but migrate into freshwater to live as adults. Juvenile eels (elvers) make the journey upstream from the Sargasso Sea to inhabit the river and its tributaries.
Estuarine and Tidal Zone Species
The lower Savannah River transitions into a wide, tidal estuary where freshwater mixes with saltwater, creating a brackish environment. This zone, extending from the Savannah harbor to the river mouth, is home to species that tolerate a wide range of salinities and are a major focus for coastal anglers.
Popular targets include Red Drum (Redfish) and Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout), which are resident species feeding within the marsh creeks and tidal flats. Flounder, including Southern Flounder, also utilize the estuary, often lying in wait near structure. Other species present include marine Catfish and Sheepshead, which feed on crustaceans and mollusks around bridge pilings.
The estuary also sees transient visitors from the ocean during warmer months. Large predatory fish such as Tarpon follow baitfish into the lower river, and Bull Sharks, which tolerate low-salinity water, have been documented far upstream.
Population Health and Conservation Efforts
The health of the Savannah River’s fish populations is linked to the management of its extensive infrastructure, particularly the hydroelectric and navigation dams. The three major upstream reservoirs altered the river’s natural flow regime and disconnected habitats, negatively impacting native species like the Robust Redhorse and migratory fish. Management programs now focus on adaptive strategies, such as controlled water releases from the dams to mimic natural seasonal fluctuations.
Significant investment has gone into restoring migratory fish access, including the construction of a fish passage at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. This project is intended to restore access to historical spawning grounds for American Shad, Striped Bass, and the federally protected Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon. State agencies also actively manage populations through stocking programs, notably for Striped Bass in the reservoirs and the coastal migratory stock.
Water quality monitoring and habitat restoration projects are ongoing throughout the basin to ensure ecosystem function. Efforts include restoring riparian zones and managing pollution to protect the sensitive estuarine nursery areas. These coordinated actions support both the ecological integrity of the river and the economic importance of its diverse fisheries.