ST.
MARY'S AND NASSAU RIVERS from Hilliard, go north
on US 301 for 7.0 miles to Boulogne city limits
sign. Go 1.1 mile to Lake Hampton Road, turn
right, and go 0.7 mile to unnamed graded road.
Turn left and go 0.5 mile to ramp. Single-lane
ramp with paved parking lot capable of
accommodating 20 vehicles. Picnic facilities are
available and bank fishing is allowed. This
125-mile river starts in the acid swamps of Okeefenokee and becomes a tidal river below US
17 north of Jacksonville.
St Mary’s and Nassau River fishing is redbreast
sunfish and small largemouth bass territory. The
salt marsh zone is famous for striped bass (the
same is true for nearby Nassau River). These
rivers give anglers the opportunity to catch a
variety of freshwater species. In the upper
reaches of these rivers, black bass, bream, and
catfish can all be taken. As water temperatures
drop, bass will start to congregate in deeper
pools. This makes it easier for anglers to
target prime fishing spots where bass will be
hanging out. Targeting cypress stands along
river shorelines is also a great way to locate
largemouth bass. During the fall, month’s
striped bass will enter the Nassau River and the
fishing can be quite good in areas around the
I-95 bridge. Lead-heads rigged with a plastic
tail are an effective way of taking striped
bass. Anglers looking to catch marine species
such as drum, sea trout, and flounder will want
to focus on the lower stretches of the river.
Live bait is an effective way of taking these
species, with mud minnows, shrimp, and crabs
being popular choices.
More great links to information on these rivers,
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/nassau/info.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Marys_River_%28Florida-Georgia%29
