What the May River offers and when to fish it

The May River is a tidal saltwater system that runs through Bluffton and into Calibogue Sound, offering year-round fishing for redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder in shallow flats and deeper channels. The river is narrow and winding—roughly 15 miles from the headwaters near Bluffton down to the sound—which means you can fish it by kayak, skiff, or wading without needing a long boat run. Access is straightforward from several public landings, and the fishing changes predictably with the seasons and the tide.

Spring (March through May) brings the most consistent action. Redfish move into the shallows to spawn, and seatrout follow baitfish into the flats. Summer slows the bite during the heat of the day but picks up at dawn and dusk. Fall (September through November) is excellent again as water temperatures drop and fish feed heavily before winter. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience and knowledge of where fish hold in the deepest holes.

Key Takeaways

  • The May River has public boat ramps at Bluffton Public Dock and Alljoy Landing, both free and accessible year-round.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets, with flounder and black drum available depending on season and tide stage.
  • Spring and fall offer the most reliable fishing; summer requires early morning or evening trips to avoid the heat and slack bite.
  • The river is shallow and tidal, so understanding tide tables and planning your trip around slack water or moving tide improves your chances.

Public boat ramps and where to launch

Bluffton Public Dock is the most convenient access point if you are already in town. It sits on the May River proper, has free parking, and can accommodate small to medium skiffs and kayaks. The ramp is maintained by the Town of Bluffton and is open dawn to dusk. Arrive early on weekends, as parking fills quickly during spring and fall.

Alljoy Landing is located a few miles south of Bluffton on US 278 and offers a second option with more parking and a wider ramp. It is also free and town-maintained. From Alljoy, you have quick access to the lower May River and Calibogue Sound, which is useful if you want to fish the deeper channels or move into the sound for larger redfish and tarpon in summer.

Both ramps have portable restrooms but no fuel, tackle shops, or food vendors nearby. Bring what you need before you arrive. If you are launching a kayak, both ramps work, though Bluffton Public Dock is closer to the main fishing areas and requires less paddling to reach productive water.

Seasonal patterns and what to target

Spring (March through May) is peak season. Redfish are spawning in the shallows and around oyster bars, and they are aggressive. Fish the flats on the incoming tide, focusing on water 2 to 4 feet deep with visible structure—oyster beds, marsh edges, and grass lines. Spotted seatrout congregate in slightly deeper water (4 to 6 feet) and around channel drop-offs. Live mullet or shrimp work well; artificial lures like topwater plugs and soft plastics also draw strikes.

Summer (June through August) is slower during midday but productive at dawn and dusk. Fish move into deeper channels to escape heat and low oxygen in the shallows. Focus on the main river channel and the area near the mouth where the May meets Calibogue Sound. Early morning trips (before 9 a.m.) often produce better results than afternoon sessions. Flounder become more available in summer, especially around deeper holes and channel bends.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistency. Water temperatures drop, and fish feed aggressively before winter. Redfish and seatrout spread across the flats again, and the bite lasts longer into the day. This is also when black drum move into the system; they prefer live fiddler crabs or shrimp and are found around oyster bars and deeper structure.

Winter (December through February) requires targeting the deepest holes and channels. Fish are lethargic and concentrated. The lower May River near Calibogue Sound holds more fish than the upper river. Fishing is possible but slower; patience and a willingness to cover ground are necessary.

Understanding tides and planning your trip

The May River is tidal, and tide stage directly affects where fish are and how willing they are to bite. On a rising tide, redfish and seatrout move into the shallows to feed. On a falling tide, they retreat to deeper water. Slack water (the brief period between tide changes) can be slow, as fish are less active.

Check tide tables for Calibogue Sound or Bluffton before you go. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides free tide predictions online. Plan to fish the two hours before and two hours after high tide for the best shallow-water action. If you want to fish deeper channels, a falling tide often concentrates fish and makes them easier to locate.

Wind also matters. A strong wind from the northeast or northwest can push water out of the river faster than normal, creating a faster falling tide and concentrating fish in the deepest holes. A southwest wind slows the outgoing tide and spreads fish across a wider area. Calm mornings are usually most productive regardless of tide stage.

Tackle and bait that work on the May River

Live bait is effective year-round. Live mullet (3 to 5 inches) work for redfish and larger seatrout. Live shrimp (medium size) are reliable for seatrout and flounder. Fiddler crabs are excellent for black drum and redfish, especially in fall. You can catch your own shrimp and mullet in the shallows with a cast net, or buy them from tackle shops in Bluffton or nearby Hilton Head.

Artificial lures also produce. Topwater plugs (like Skitter Walks or Spooks) are effective for redfish in shallow water, especially at dawn. Soft plastics rigged on jig heads (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) work for seatrout and flounder in deeper water. Spoons are good for covering ground quickly and finding active fish. Bring a variety and adjust based on what you see and what the fish respond to.

Rod and reel setup should match the water. A 6 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braid is ideal for redfish and seatrout. Flounder and black drum can be heavier, so 20-pound braid is safer. A 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader helps in clear water and reduces line visibility.

What to know about regulations and access

South Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day, seven-day, or annual license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or at tackle shops in Bluffton. The cost varies by license type. Licenses are inexpensive and support habitat management and access improvements.

Redfish have a slot limit: you may keep one fish between 18 and 23 inches per day. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a ten-fish daily limit. Black drum have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. These regulations change periodically, so check the current rules before you fish.

Both public ramps are free and open to the public. Parking is available but limited, especially on weekends. There are no fees or permits required beyond the fishing license. Respect private property along the river; most of the shoreline is private, and access is limited to the water itself.

Nearby alternatives if the May River is crowded

If the May River is busy or you want to explore nearby water, the Calibogue Sound (just south of the May's mouth) offers similar fishing for redfish and seatrout in a larger, more open system. Access is from Alljoy Landing. The sound is deeper and windier than the river, so it is better for larger boats, but the fishing can be excellent.

The Colleton River, which runs parallel to the May a few miles west, offers similar shallow-water redfish and seatrout fishing with less pressure. Access is from Chechessee Creek Landing near Bluffton. The Colleton is slightly more remote and often less crowded than the May.

If you want to stay in the immediate Bluffton area, the tidal creeks and marshes around Daufuskie Island (accessible by ferry or private boat) hold redfish and seatrout. These are shallower and more technical than the May River but offer solitude and consistent spring and fall fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the May River, or can I wade?

You can wade in many areas of the May River, especially the upper sections near Bluffton where the flats are shallow and accessible. Kayaks are also popular and give you more range without the cost of a motorboat. A small skiff is useful for covering more water and reaching deeper channels, but it is not required.

What is the best time of day to fish the May River?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is most productive year-round. Fall and spring offer good fishing throughout the day. Summer fishing is slow midday but picks up again in the evening (after 5 p.m.). Winter requires patience and is best fished during the warmest part of the day, usually midday.

Can I catch tarpon in the May River?

Tarpon move into the lower May River and Calibogue Sound in summer (June through August), but they are not common in the upper river. If you want to target tarpon, fish the deeper channels near the mouth of the May where it meets the sound. They are large, strong fish and require heavier tackle and live bait.

What should I do if I hook a large redfish I cannot land?

Keep your rod tip up, maintain steady pressure, and let the fish run if it needs to. Redfish are strong but not as aggressive as tarpon. If your line breaks or the fish escapes, it happens—move on and keep fishing. Bring extra leaders and hooks so you can retie quickly and get back in the water.

Is the May River safe to fish alone?

Yes, the May River is well-traveled and generally safe. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Wear a life jacket if you are in a boat or kayak. Bring a charged phone and let the ramp attendant know you are heading out. The river is shallow enough that if you get in trouble, you can wade to shore in most places.