RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2026) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking public comments on a proposed temporary rule amendment to close recreational harvesting of spotted seatrout in inland and joint (by hook-and-line) fishing waters from April 6, 2026 to June 30, 2026. The proposed rule aligns with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries seatrout harvest closure proclamation for all commercial and recreational coastal and joint fishing waters, that was enacted due to recent cold stun events.
“The Wildlife Resources Commission initiated the temporary rulemaking process as quickly as possible to provide regulatory consistency following the Marine Fisheries’ proclamation,” said Inland Fisheries Division Chief Corey Oakley. “Temporarily closing the spotted seatrout harvest season will follow recommendations set out by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission’s Spotted Seatrout Management Plan to allow the population to recover from cold stun events.”
NCWRC will hold a virtual hearing on the amendment at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Pre-registration is required to attend…