Cold stuns have pushed the harvest closure of spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, out an additional 15 days to June 30.
The closure, effective for both recreational and commercial fishers, is in accordance with the state Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, according to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
Supporter Spotlight
State fisheries officials initially closed spotted seatrout harvest Jan. 24 effective through June 15.
Cold stuns occur naturally when the water temperature suddenly drops or when there are prolonged periods of cold weather that cause the fish to be sluggish. This can cause fish to die and fall prey to birds and other predators, according to the division.
“Studies indicate cold stun events have a significant impact on spotted seatrout populations,” according to a division release. “The intent is to allow surviving fish a chance to spawn before harvest reopens.”
Peak spawning season for spotted seatrout runs May-June.
Last month, the Marine Fisheries Commission adopted Amendment 1 to the management plan, a move that extends the harvest closure after a significant cold stun through June 30.
Amendment 1 will go into effect when the spotted seatrout fishery reopens July 1.
Supporter Spotlight
Additional information on the harvest closure is available at Proclamation FF-15-2025.
