winter speckled trout fishing nc

The first thing newly appointed DMF Director Steve Murphey had to do was issue a proclamation closing speckled trout season until June 15. That cold, overcast, gloomy weather that makes fishermen dull and moody does the same to the fish. Some of the days with bright sunshine, specks and pups are active and aggressive and bite just like they did in the fall. Look for periods of sunny, warmer weather. Cast there! Try curly-tailed, paddle-tailed, or split-tailed grubs, which are all effective with a hop-hop-drag style of retrieve. Fishing around low tide into the first hours of the rising tide helps too, especially in areas with larger tide changes. Capt. Two oval-shaped bobbers bounced on the New River’s surface during the outflowing morning tide. Use the click and splash of a popping cork to attract speckled trout from long distances. A big percentage of the specks being caught are undersize and must be released, but it’s good to see them. Speckled trout fishing has remained excellent, but there’s started to be an abundance of undersized fish mixed in with the keepers. These fish are a blast to catch on light- to medium-weight tackle. Although many speckled trout move into deeper water during cold weather, there is no scientific evidence of a winter migration to the Gulf. Everything changes when the sun comes out. Copy link. Moving water is always the preferred feeding areas for speckled trout. GALLERY. Another factor adds to the appeal of winter fishing in Bryson City and that’s the 2.2 miles of the Tuckasegee River designated Delayed Harvest Waters by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Biologists tell us that specks begin to spawn in the spring once the water warms and continue to have batches of eggs into the fall. Speckled trout are abundant and readily available in the sounds, including those around Nags Head, Manteo, Manns Harbor, and Oregon Inlet. TESTIMONIALS. Weather Underground (www.wunderground.com) is pretty good for inshore fishing. Two days is a start, but three or more days is better. Speckled trout are abundant year-round and tend to congregate in the upper extremities of our deeper creeks in their traditional wintering grounds. Use top water baits with a 'walk-the-dog' retrieve. Meet Your Captain. Here we are a year later and speckled trout fishing is excellent. Huge thanks to everyone that puts in the time to check out my videos!! Even in protected waters, lighter wind is good too. Find a weather predictor you trust and pay attention. The first day of warmer sunny weather after a cold front or winter low pressure makes fish and fishermen feel better. There were 31 and 33 inchers reported as released. ❝Speckled trout or specks (technically, Spotted seatrout) are a favorite catch of saltwater anglers on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There is a wide variety of colors that can be productive such as chartreuse, dark green, or white. What type of Angler Are You? The water around Wrightsville Beach has really started to clear up, so fluorocarbon leaders and a natural presentation have been keys to success. Speckled trout live in North Carolina’s estuarine rivers and sounds and in the surf off our barrier islands. At times, you will also find plenty in the ocean. Speckled trout, red drum (a.k.a redfish) and flounder are available to just about any fisherman with a boat. ABOUT. However, even toward the mid to late winter months the bite slows. Typically, the water is warmer the farther you are from the main body of the river, large creek or Intracoastal Waterway. Every tackle shop with a speckled trout tournament was posting fish heavier than 7 pounds leading it. Learn more about … There were fishermen who supported it and fishermen who said it wasn’t needed, especially in their area. This search can help you locate Public Mountain Trout Waters and show you which regulatory classifications apply. The speck and pup action has been good all fall and into the winter. This family derived its name from the drumming sound that they produce through their air bladder. But for anglers who want more, there are waters to fish almost any time of the year. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries responded to numerous calls regarding the trout stuns and kills and found them stunned or dead and floating. Chartreuse and white clouser minnows are effective patterns for flys. Scent may be the thing that seals the deal and gets a fish to chase something, so we have an advantage now that wasn’t available 30 years ago. This example is extreme, but happens in this creek and others like it regularly. Remember, current NC regs require a speckled trout to be at least 14 inches in length and you can keep 4 per person. Friday, December 16, 2016 Winter Tactics for Spotted Seatrout in NC The popularity of winter speckled trout fishing in Eastern North Carolina has risen drastically over the past decade and has become one of the most popular inshore fisheries in the Tar Heel State. Winter Speckled Trout Fishing……Video T he winter Speckled Trout season is in full swing so we went to one of the best in the business when it comes to Trout fishing and that was Topsail Island, NC’s, Captain Lee Parson for his advice. Look for speckled trout along the edges of the marsh at this time. An exposed creek in the open marsh can come alive with the sun’s warming. There were also some genuine gator trout in the mix. Make it behave like a shrimp. This group is dedicated to everything concerning speckled trout. Specks and pups are biting. Watch later. Research shows that some fish may move to the Gulf to escape blowing northers, but this is temporary, and the fish return once weather abates. I've been working on some cool stuff for y'all coming soon!! Look for them in holes just outside the breakers at dawn. But if you don’t continuously move it, the jig will sink and only have the motion of the current to move it. They were hitting lures with enough thump it wasn’t difficult to tell you had a strike. Winter Inshore Fishing (Wilmington NC) Red Fish, Speckled Trout & Flounder. Well, with the unusual winters we... PointClickFish.com is a network of captains, anglers, companies, and avid outdoorsmen and women. The pups had come up on the flats to warm up and were grabbing baits and running. A spec weighing over 5 lbs will get you a North Carolina Citation. Then it gets cloudy, they aren’t as warm and the bite slows along with their activity level. However, with four days of sunshine each week and highs in the upper 50’s and 60’s, the water has warmed back to the mid 50’s and they are feeding regularly again. A combination of live or fresh baits such as mud minnows, shrimp, finger mullet, and crab will produce results. The following regulations apply: • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit. Rippled water will cool quicker than calm water and a brisk wind is uncomfortable to fishermen. Weather underground is easily better than that. Every winter it seems like there is a topic or two that get talked about more than usual. Knowing a 25 inch speck will weigh around 5 pounds, it’s easy to realize those were big trout. Charter Captain Find spots where the moving water bumps into still water—these are called 'rip lines' or 'edges.' Tidal currents, wind currents, and flowing creeks are all good places to fish. What a difference a year makes. Low tide occurring after lunch is usually better than when it is earlier in the day. There are a few things fishermen can do to locate warmer water. They were down a little in the spring and then didn’t care for the ultra hot summer weather, but came on strong later. HOME. His writing features this area prominently, but he has fished and written about the East Coast from Virginia to Florida, the Gulf Coast, California, Alaska and several of the Great Lakes in the U.S., plus several countries in Central America and several Caribbean Islands. There were speckled trout stuns and kills and in a few places it was bad enough there were also red drum kills. ON THE LINE. A year ago the temperature was dropping and many creeks, shallow bays and more were freezing. And the Pattern Breakers The bigger fish are being caught in the creeks, near the inlets, and in the surf. While it bustles along pretty well from about Easter to Thanksgiving, Harkers Island is a very slow-paced place during the winter — and that’s not a bad thing. It also cools the water and slows their metabolism and need to feed. Other huge fish were released. Carolina Winter Speckled Trout Fishing Is Heating Up, New Hampshire Trophy Fish Program Entries Due by January 31, BigWater Adventures Season 12 Premiere – Tropic Star Lodge, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries To Host Women’s Fishing 101 Workshops, Young Guns Too Crew Breaks Florida Swordfish Record, Southern Kingfish Association Nationals 2020, North Carolina Spanish Mackerel Fishing Tips, HOW TO – Fishing the North Carolina Artificial Reefs. So, when you pop the popping cork, the jig jumps up. These are the big improvements. Give the fish time to warm a little and react. 1/6. ing surplus trout in select impoundments across central and western North Carolina this month. The action in that pocket of warm water was more like October than late December. Shopping. The closure protected the first half of the spawn and it worked. OBX, NC. This year has been on fire in regards to the numbers and quality of fish being caught. Watch the winter weather and tide tables like a hawk. Look at the national weather maps and regional forecasts. This is an easy technique that will produce results for anglers of all skill levels. Another interesting tag return that I was involved in was a fish I recaptured that was tagged in Virginia. With a lifetime of experience fishing the waters of Eastern North Carolina, Captain Scooter Lilley has been a professional guide for over 20 years. Winter Seatrout Tactics March 2, 2018 The popularity of winter speckled trout fishing in Eastern North Carolina has risen drastically over the past decade and has become one of the most popular inshore fisheries in the Tar Heel State. The fishing varies form days that aren’t so good to days that are really good. The fall is a great time to target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Striped Bass, and White Perch near Swan Quarter, North Carolina. He said the fish will expend energy to chase a smaller bait when they won’t chase a large one. They aren’t perfect, but this is weather and it’s an inexact science. Bottom fishing the surf is producing sea mullet and spot. If you see bait jumping out of the water, you can expect to find trout there. The sun shines on more creek bank and exposed bottom surface at low tide and warms them. As fall’s temperatures begin to drop, our fishing heats up along the inner banks of NC! Tap to unmute. This allows the sun to shine on the lower water and exposed bottom and banks for several hours. This ensures a larger population of larger trout for the winter fisherman. Be gentle because specks have a soft mouth that easily tears. Last year’s mild winter was great for the trout, and all anglers are hoping for another one to keep this fishery thriving. He said the cooling water triggers trout to feed and makes them easier to catch, and they’re usually larger in the fall. • Salinity can be a factor in locating trophy trout. There are qualifications to make this call and all of them were met, so Murphey had no choice but to do it. Spinning, bait casting, or fly fishing are all suitable choices. Fishing Team Somewhere many years ago a successful fisherman recommended downsizing and fishing slower in cold water and it was good advice. In early spring these fish disperse throughout the sound and get ready to breed. NC Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Striped Bass Charters | CWW Inshore Charters | United States. Bill Mowery, of Hampstead, NC, wth a speckled trout caught in the New River while fishing with Nathan Bray. • No minimum length limit. In early spring these fish disperse throughout the sound and get ready to breed. Biologists tell us specks begin to spawn around 12 inches so some of the ones born early in the spring may have gotten in a batch or two of eggs this year. These fish prefer low-light conditions and leave the shallow waters when the sun rises. Winter Speckled Trout Tactics For Fly & Light Tackle ... NC. The noise will attract feeding trout to your bait. Some trout winter in the ocean and some go to the brackish creeks that empty into the western side of the sounds of the Outer Banks. The annual fall trout run is underway. Cast out the bobber and lure and, after the water settles, give it a couple quick snaps. Last winter’s freeze didn’t affect puppy drum as badly as it did specks, but it’s never good when weather conditions stun and kill fish. Speckled trout are typically more dormant in colder water of winter.” So most of the time in December, speck anglers can motor past the bayous and shallower waters which held lots of trout back in warm months. More. Where to Fish for Speckled Trout Some trout winter in the ocean and some go to the brackish creeks that empty into the western side of the sounds of the Outer Banks. When it does you may need to change your strategies and tactics to make an adjustment. The specks had moved out of the deepest holes and were feeding in 2 to 4 feet of water. Recently I fished a marsh creek that runs off a bay in the lower Cape Fear River. You should get pretty good at seeing generalities of how weather systems move. • No bait restrictions. When the tide is low, there is less water to warm and the fish are concentrated. Just a little ways in, the creek was 1 to 2 degrees warmer than at its mouth. To encourage trout growth, fishing is limited to catch and release from October to June. He is from Southport-Oak Island, N.C. and continues to live there in semi-retirement. These beautiful, tasty fish are hard fighters who are willing to hit both live and artificial baits. The water temperature difference between a cloudy, overcast day and a bright, sunny one may only be a degree, but it makes a big difference. Use the Public Mountain Trout Waters Search to locate a great new place to fish for trout in the mountains of North Carolina or learn more about the rules and regulations of trout fishing. They overwinter is these areas for several reasons: deeper warmer water, the warming effect of the black mucky creek bottom (on the shallower flats) from the sun’s energy, and an abundance of bait. Share. Freshwater The good trend continues on subsequent warm, sunny days, just not to the same degree. CHARTERS. The trout fell for a Lit’l Fishie lure. We picked our way another mile or so through the marsh to where there are some extensive flats, with holes ranging to 10 feet deep nearby. We scraped bottom a few times, but the hot fishing was well worth it. Hard-bodied baits such as MirrOlures™ can entice savage strikes. Puppy drum are in the same area. Both. We utilize our website, live tournament coverage, radio show, and social media technology to help charters, fishing teams, companies, and anglers stay connected to, and up-to-date with, the fishing community. Redfish and Black Drum fishing can be incredible in December and January and good thru February. The trout fell for a Lit’l Fishie lure. Some of the best fishing of the year for these species can occur. Fish may feed that first afternoon, but each day the sun continues to shine gets a little better. In January, we go full-swing Striper Fishing on the Lower Roanoke near Plymouth, NC. Jerry Dilsaver has been fishing since he was a child and writing about fishing, hunting and the outdoors since 1986. They arrived early and stayed late. CONTACT. The fall is considered the best trout fishing season here, and it is when the state stocks their rainbow and brown trout. North Carolina maintains a 14-inch limit that ensures that most of the females will have an opportunity to spawn at least once before we can keep them. There were some 8 pounders scattered about and at least one 10 pounder. Kellum, the “Speckled Specialist,” catches trout in the New River and its tributaries year-round, but the fishing is usually best in the fall and early winter when the water begins to cool. Hey guys! Speckled trout belong to the drum family, which also includes Black drum, Red drum, and Atlantic croaker. Look for deep holes close to these spots or try the shade of the local bridges. Many weather prognosticators are happy if they are correct more than half the time. Speckled trout are among the most-popular of all inshore saltwater fish in North Carolina waters. In addition, grassy flats can be a ton of fun with top-water baits, especially on low-light summer days. From late September into the winter is the prime time to get in on this great speckled trout action. Conner Grimes, 11, a sixth-grader from Hobbton, caught this early morning New River speckled trout last March. Use any of these colors alone or with tails of contrasting colors. Spawning occurs at night, often around piers, pilings, bridges, points of land, and holes, and it frequently coincides with a full moon. This part 1 of his great series on Winter Trout Fishing. Fishing in the winter months, if the fish are holding at four feet, set your popping cork to hold your jig at 3’10”. Anglers refer to such fish as “stunted.”Surveys showed less than 10 percent of crappie were reaching the 8-inch minimum keeper size.Three years ago, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s surveys showed less than 10 percent of crappie were reachin… Jennings, of North State Guide Service, reports that speckled trout fishing has been the name of the game in creeks off the Neuse River. Info. They’ll be 14 to 18 inches next year and will be spawning. The trout have relocated to water and conditions more comfortable to them and to the small fry they feed on. © 2021 SOUNDSIDE ADVENTURES • Manteo, NCOuter Banks Fishing Charters. They don’t predict fishing, but give you the temperatures and frontal movement to figure it out on your own. • Basic state fishing license required. One of my favorite methods for catching speckled trout is using a popping cork, which clicks when you retrieve it. You can open a map and zoom to the selected water once you have made a list of locations or save … Speckled trout have a long spawning season that lasts from April to September. Fishing soundside has been excellent with speckled trout being the top target. A year ago the temperature was dropping and many creeks, shallow bays and more were freezing. He has been on staff at Carolina Adventure, North Carolina Sportsman and South Carolina Sportsman Magazines and his byline has appeared in several other magazines and newspapers. Use a ¼-oz lead head with some type of rubber body. It also affects the accuracy and distance of casts. Creeks get smaller and shallower and are easier to warm – especially if the bottom is dark and some spots are dry during low tide. Carolina Winter Speckled Trout Fishing Is Heating Up What a difference a year makes. In addition, two colors that I always use are 'salt and pepper' or 'rootbeer' tipped with green tails. Just For Fun, Do You Prefer Saltwater or Freshwater? The majority of all trout fishing in North Carolina is in the mountains. Saltwater NOTE:  We had switched to smaller lures and coated them with Pro-Cure Scent Gel. NC Speckled Trout Fishing has 9,232 members. Welcome to the NC Speckled Trout Fishing Group. The fish will bite when conditions are right and these tips should help you plan your fishing trips to be there when they’re hungry. • Trout may be harvested year-round. If that foul demon work still gets in your way for fishing time, plan ahead to make the most of the time you can go. They are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so fish north of Virginia migrate here for the winter, according to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. The fish was only 13 inches long and was tracked from Northern Virginia to Oriental, NC and was recaptured within 14 days. Weather also makes a difference. These adjustments are largely driven by the feeding habits and the movement of bait that the Spec depend on for feeding. A heavily wooded creek might not get much sun heating, but is still usually a little warmer than the larger body of water it connects into. Tournament Angler We had some cold weather in early December that dropped the water temps to below 50 degrees for a week or two and their activity slowed. 2018 was a very good year for old drum in the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. If the temperature warms several degrees, the intensity of the bite may ratchet up significantly. All this is important as there are days a warming of only a half to one degree makes the difference between fishing and catching. As always, this call met with mixed reviews. Sorry it has been awhile since my last video. For this fun technique, use a jighead and grub or a baited hook on a two-foot piece of 12-pound leader. In 2 to 2 1/2 years those will be slot fish and in four years they should reach 30-32 inches and begin to spawn too. The second day the fish are more active and begin feeding and this improves again on the third day. There were speckled trout stuns and kills and in a few places it was bad enough there were also red drum kills. Fishing Guide Don’t give up, but use what you know about fish and the weather to plan fishing trips at the optimum times. Southeastern North Carolina is blessed with some awesome winter fishing for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Striped Bass. When the bobber goes under, reel tight to the fish, and then lightly set the hook. The water was 4 to 4 1/2 degrees warmer this far back in the marsh and the fish were aggressive. That was long enough ago there weren’t scents available for baits. Look for speckled trout … They haven’t quit biting, they just need a little more coaxing and a good fishing plan. High Rock Lake’s abundant forage, high fertility and catchall fishing regulations that restricted anglers to keeping 20 fish greater than 8 inches resulted in low relative weights. Sunny winter weather improves the attitude and energy level of fish just like it does fishermen. Those 10 to 13 inch specks are the young of the year. Anglers are catching limits of good-sized fish to 22 inches. They were there spawning and as long as they stayed in the sound and river, there should be lots of smaller pups around next year. While inshore species may be accessible, that doesn't mean that they're easy to catch. Patience is a virtue! Mike, of Native Son Guide Service, reports that speckled trout are biting well, and the fish are in their transition toward winter … See also: Trout Fishing … A good inshore fishing report can mean the difference between a few bites here and there, and a day that you'll never forget. Tel: 252.799.9536. Speckled Trout is nearly always a great wintertime fish.