North Carolina’s Spotted Seatrout fishery is set to reopen for recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal waters on July 1, 2025. This follows a closure due to cold stun events. Upon reopening, new management measures from Amendment 1 to the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan will be implemented.
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted this amendment in March 2025. The changes include a slot limit for recreational fishing of 14 to 20 inches, with an allowance for one fish over 26 inches, and a three-fish individual bag limit.
For commercial fishing, there will be a closure from Friday at 11:59 p.m. through Monday at 12:01 a.m., effective from January 1 through September 30. From October 1 through December 31, the closure extends until Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.
The management plan also modifies cold stun management by extending the harvest closure by an additional fifteen days, lasting through June 30 following such events.
For detailed regulations regarding recreational and commercial activities, individuals are advised to refer to proclamation FF-22-2025 or visit the Spotted Seatrout Amendment 1 Information Page.
