RALEIGH, N.C. – Recreational harvest of Spotted Seatrout in inland waters under the jurisdiction of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will reopen by rule on June 15 following a proclamation from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) that opens all coastal and joint waters to Spotted Seatrout harvest.
For more specific recreational spotted seatrout fishing regulations, see FF-23-2018 on DMF’s proclamations webpage.
DMF had issued a previous proclamation to close harvest on Jan. 5 due to widespread cold stun events, with intentions to reopen the Spotted Seatrout season in all waters effective June 15. Under the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, if a significant cold stun event occurs, DMF will close all Spotted Seatrout harvest until later in the spring.
Recreational seasons, size limits and creel limits in inland waters for Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Red Drum and Gray Trout are the same as those established in the rules of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission or proclamations issued by the DMF director in adjacent joint or coastal fishing waters. The rule referencing Marine Fisheries’ rules for these four saltwater fish species was implemented in 2011 to standardize recreational seasons and size and creel limits for inland, joint and coastal waters.
For more information, contact DMF Spotted Seatrout Biologist Steve Poland at 252-808-8159 or Steve Poland.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
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