Speckled pursuit

Catch your share of cooler-weather seatrout

Along North Carolina’s southern coast, the Shallotte River and nearby inlets are among the most consistent trout producers throughout November.

The creeks, channels, and deep holes around the river and Intracoastal Waterway hold large schools of speckled trout this time of year.

Switch it up

The fish tend to congregate around deeper structure such as dock pilings, oyster rocks, and drop-offs where baitfish are easy targets.

When the tide is moving, anglers can cast soft plastic jerkbaits or paddle tails on quarter-ounce jigheads to mimic mullet or menhaden. Colors like electric chicken, pearl, and natural silver work well in the clear fall water.

Many anglers find success by bouncing the lure slowly along the bottom or giving it a sharp twitch to trigger strikes.

Topwater lures also shine early and late in the day, especially when the surface is calm. Walk-the-dog plugs such as the MirrOlure Top Dog or Rapala Skitter Walk can draw explosive strikes from feeding trout in the shallows.

As the day brightens or the tide drops, switching back to subsurface baits like the MirrOdine or suspending jerkbaits keeps the bite going. Live shrimp under a popping cork is another dependable choice, especially for anglers fishing from docks or small boats.

Go slow

In South Carolina, the waters around Charleston provide an equally exciting opportunity for fall trout fishing.

The Wando River, the Cooper River, and the surrounding creeks are prime locations during November. Speckled trout move into deeper bends and channels, often near structure and current seams where baitfish are concentrated.

A slow and deliberate presentation is key as the water cools. Soft plastics on light jigheads remain a staple, but many local anglers also favor live mud minnows or shrimp drifted beneath a cork.

Play the tides

Tides play a major role in locating fish in both states. The best bites often occur during the first half of the incoming tide, when trout move shallow to feed. Using the current to drift baits naturally past ambush points is often more effective than casting to structure.

Success in November comes from working lures patiently, matching local baitfish, and taking advantage of the steady fall feeding patterns that make this month one of the best for speckled trout in the Carolinas.