Augusta, Georgia
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On The Fly Freshwater
May 2026
Article and photos by Jimmy Jacobs
Georgia is blessed when it comes to black bass angling. Presently there are 11 species of those fish recognized as being in Peach State waters. The most recent to join the list is the Bartram’s bass that is found in the upper Savannah River System. Meanwhile, the most common of the species are largemouth, spotted and Alabama bass. The former is found throughout the state, while the two latter ones are in most rivers and reservoirs north of the Fall Line.
One other that will figure in this story is the smallmouth. Originally these bass were found in streams flowing north out of Georgia and into the Tennessee River system. Since rivers in that system were impounded to create lakes Blue Ridge, Chatuge and Nottely in North Georgia, those reservoirs also had populations of the fish.
A Georgia smallmouth.
However, illegal stockings of spotted or Alabama bass in those lakes has led to the virtual disappearance of smallies in Chatuge and Nottely and a greatly diminished population in Blue Ridge, which really destroyed the smallmouth bass fishing in the state.
That is until another illegal release of fish took place. This time it was in the Savannah River around the time of the millennium when smallmouth bass appeared in the river shoals just upstream of Augusta. Those fish began to thrive in that rocky region and fish of up to 5 pounds have been record there. Today the river offers arguably the state’s best option for catching smallmouths.
A Bartram’s bass.
But the news is not all good. There is evidence that the smallmouths are cross breeding with the native Bartram’s bass found in these same waters. This could lead to the disappearance of the purebred Bartram’s in the waters below the low-head dam at the start of the historic Augusta Canal. Despite the potential damage done, an interesting fly-fishing opportunity now exists for several miles upstream of the city.
The Augusta Shoals below the I-20 bridge.
The stretch of the Savannah River from just below the Interstate 20 bridge across the river, down to the Augusta Water Works is a mile of almost continuous rocky shoals. Along the west shore the Augusta Canal Trail runs between the canal and the river this entire length as part of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. This multi-use hiking and biking path provides access points to the river. The trail runs along the old tow path where mules were used to pull cotton barges upstream when the canal was in use.
Within these waters Bartram’s, smallmouth and largemouth bass are all three present. The largemouth usually are found in deeper, slower runs, while the Bartram’s and smallmouths are in the riffle areas around the rocks.
Casting popping bugs – white Boogle Bug poppers are a personal favorite – and black or olive Wooly Buggers are all dependable flies for catching these fish. The Bartram’s and smallies will make up the bulk of the catch. Ordinarily you can immediately tell which you have hooked. If the fish quickly breaks the surface, leaping into the air, it will be smallmouth. Alternately, if it dives for the bottom, you most likely have hooked a Bartram’s. Regardless of which species is on the hook, expect a good fight. River bass spend their lives fighting current and make strong runs. It is possible to also have redbreast sunfish, bluegills and yellow perch take your flies as well.
A smallie taken at The Clearing on the Augusta Shoals.
Catching a cool water species like the smallmouth seems out of place on this part of the Savannah since you also may see Spanish moss hanging in nearby trees. Additionally, some of the backwaters off the main river occasionally are visited by alligators. All of which makes for a surreal smallmouth bass angling experience.
As for gear for the fishing, 9-foot rods of 6 to 7 weight are best. You may need their backbone if you hook a big smallmouth and they also are good for handling the wind often blowing on the river. Leaders can be in the 3X to 5X sizes since these fish ordinarily are not particularly leader shy. Also, plan on wearing felt sole wading boots since the rocks can be slippery. From April to September wet wading is comfortable here, but in the cooler months waders are needed.
Fishing at the Augusta Water Works.
As for access, along much of the canal trail, the pathway is up steep hillsides from the river making reaching the water difficult. The best way to approach the river is from Eisenhower Park, near the Augusta National Golf Club. At the south end of the park there is a parking area for the Augusta Canal Trail. From the lot a pathway leads under River Watch Parkway to footbridge across the canal to the Augusta Water Works complex. There are public restrooms and water fountains located there.
Once across the canal, turn left on the canal trail. At the upstream end of the water works property a paved drive runs downhill. At its foot a path leads to the water where you can easily walk out into the shoals to fish.
Your other option is to continue walking north on the canal trail for a mile to an area called The Clearing at Savannah Rapids. This is a public park that also offers easy access to the water and one where some big smallmouths have been encountered.
