North Augusta restores fishing access to city ponds with hours, safety rules and catch-and-release policy
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Summary
Council voted Feb. 2 to restore fishing access on the Savannah River and city ponds (West Pond, Bridal Pond, Beaufort Pond) with rules: valid SCDNR license required, nautical sunrise–sunset hours, catch-and-release in ponds, nonmotorized watercraft allowed, and prohibited gear listed.
The City of North Augusta voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to adopt updated rules allowing fishing and limited boating in city waterways, restoring access to West Pond at Brick Pond Park, Bridal Pond and Beaufort Pond while adding safety and conservation conditions.
City staff told the council the resolution removes the city's own fishing-permit requirement (fishing now requires only a valid South Carolina Department of Natural Resources license), permits fishing in city ponds between nautical sunrise and nautical sunset, allows nonmotorized watercraft and small electric trolling motors, requires personal flotation devices when on watercraft, and designates city ponds as catch-and-release only. The resolution also bans traps, trot lines, jugs, nets and spears as defined by SCDNR for nongame fishing devices.
Public comment at the meeting was robust. David Dean told the council he preferred night fishing and said young anglers may find it emotionally hard to release a very large, trophy fish. Nick Hobbs thanked the council for restoring access to West Pond and urged installation of trash receptacles, fishing-line recycling tubes and signage; he said state water-recreation funds might be available to support improvements, and said he had discussed options with Sen. Tom Young and Representative Bill Hickson. Tanya Vonatadabas of the Savannah Riverkeeper urged caution about eating fish from stormwater ponds because of possible contaminants and asked that restrictions not unintentionally limit legal canoeing and kayaking on navigable creeks.
Council members said the vote responds to public outreach; one council member acknowledged a prior breakdown in communication when access had been limited and said the restoration had led to more engaged volunteers who can help maintain the ponds. Council consensus included exploring recommended improvements: monofilament recycling tubes, additional signage, dock refurbishment and improved access (including ADA considerations) at West Pond.
The resolution passed on the council floor after staff presentation and public comments; the action restores recreational access while adding explicit operational rules and references to SCDNR definitions.
What’s next: Staff and volunteer groups will pursue grant and DNR funding for site improvements, and the council discussed forming a subcommittee or using the existing Bridal Pond Committee to coordinate stewardship and accessibility projects.
