The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has closed the recreational harvest of spotted seatrout in inland and joint (by hook-and-line) fishing waters from April 6 through June 30, 2026. NCWRC commissioners voted to adopt a temporary rule implementing the harvest closure during a special business meeting on March 24.
Enacting a temporary rule will avoid public confusion given the proclamation of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to close both commercial and recreational spotted seatrout harvest in coastal and joint waters due to widespread cold stun events in February.
“The Wildlife Resources Commission implemented temporary rulemaking as quickly as possible to provide regulatory consistency following the Marine Fisheries’ proclamation,” said Inland Fisheries Chief Corey Oakley. “Spotted seatrout are fast-growing, short-lived, and prolific spawners, therefore the population should recover from this cold stun event as it has in the past.”
Spotted Seatrout harvest season in inland and joint (by hook-and-line) fishing waters will reopen July 1, 2026.