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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Red Drum in North Carolina Southern Coast may fishing.

Sciaenops ocellatusSeasonal MovementGood

Strong flats fishing.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Good Schooling fish in deep marsh holes. Typical water temp: 50–58°FGoodFeb — Good Same — winter cluster pattern. Typical water temp: 52–60°FGoodMar — Good Fish spreading back onto flats. Typical water temp: 58–66°FGoodApr — Good Spring redfish on flats and oyster bars. Typical water temp: 62–70°FGoodMay — Good Strong flats fishing. Typical water temp: 68–76°FGoodJun — Good Summer pattern — tailing fish on flooded flats. Typical water temp: 76–82°FGoodJul — Good Same. Typical water temp: 80–86°FGoodAug — Good Hot water — fish on cooler edges. Typical water temp: 82–88°FGoodSep — Peak Fall bull red run on beaches and inlets. Typical water temp: 76–82°FPeakOct — Peak Peak fall drum migration. Typical water temp: 68–76°FPeakNov — Good Bull schools dispersing back to bay. Typical water temp: 60–68°FGoodDec — Good Wintering pattern returning. Typical water temp: 54–62°FGood

Migration pattern

Resident year-round throughout NC and Lowcountry. Fall bull red run on Cape Lookout and Outer Banks September–November is one of the iconic American saltwater events.

Best locations

  • Cape Fear River mouth
  • Masonboro Inlet
  • Wrightsville Beach jetties
  • Topsail Inlet

Top lures

  • Live mullet under popping cork
  • Cut mullet on bottom
  • Gold spoons
  • Soft plastic shrimp
  • Topwater plugs (skinny water)
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Red Drum in other regions

Get a notification when red drum show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in North Carolina Southern Coast.

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