By the team at Cotton Patch Landing Campground & Marina in Chocowinity, NC
Welcome to another edition of the Campfire Chronicles! Today, we’re diving into one of the most popular activities for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Pamlico River—fishing. This beautiful river offers a diverse array of fish species, each with its own seasonal patterns, preferred baits, and optimal fishing techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, this guide will help you make the most of your fishing adventures on the Pamlico River.
Spring Fishing on the Pamlico River
Species to Catch:
- Striped Bass (Rockfish): March to May
- Speckled Trout: Late March to early June
- Red Drum (Redfish): April to June
Bait and Tackle:
- Striped Bass: Use live baits like menhaden or shad. Artificial lures such as crankbaits, swimbaits, and topwater plugs also work well.
- Speckled Trout: Live shrimp and mud minnows are excellent choices. For artificial baits, use soft plastics like DOA Shrimp or MirrOlures.
- Red Drum: Live baits like mullet and menhaden are effective. Soft plastic baits and gold spoons can also be successful.
Best Times and Places:
- Striped Bass: Early morning and late afternoon are prime times. Focus on deeper channels and near bridge pilings.
- Speckled Trout: Early morning or late evening along grassy shorelines and near oyster beds.
- Red Drum: Late afternoon in shallow bays and around grassy flats.
Top Spots:
- Washington Waterfront: The docks and piers here provide excellent opportunities for all three species.
- Blount’s Creek: This creek is a hot spot for all three species, especially during the spring. Cotton Patch Landing, located directly on Blount’s Creek, offers convenient access to these fishing areas with a marina, boat slips, and a bait & tackle shop.
Summer Fishing on the Pamlico River
Species to Catch:
- Largemouth Bass: June to August
- Flounder: June to September
- Bluefish: July to September
Bait and Tackle:
- Largemouth Bass: Use plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and topwater frogs.
- Flounder: Live mud minnows and finger mullet. For artificial baits, use jig heads with soft plastic grubs.
- Bluefish: Use cut bait like mullet or menhaden. Metal spoons and gotcha plugs are also effective.
Best Times and Places:
- Largemouth Bass: Early morning and late evening around docks and submerged structures.
- Flounder: Mid-morning to late afternoon along sandy bottoms and near piers.
- Bluefish: Early morning and late afternoon near inlets and deeper waters.
Top Spots:
- Goose Creek State Park: The park’s shoreline and piers are perfect for largemouth bass and flounder.
- Blount’s Creek: The creek provides excellent cover and food sources for largemouth bass, while the edges of the creek are perfect for flounder and bluefish.
Fall Fishing on the Pamlico River
Species to Catch:
- Striped Bass: September to November
- Speckled Trout: October to November
- Red Drum: September to October
Bait and Tackle:
- Striped Bass: Live eels and cut bait work well. Also, try bucktail jigs and topwater lures.
- Speckled Trout: Live shrimp and mud minnows, along with soft plastics like jerk baits and paddle tails.
- Red Drum: Use live bait such as mullet or menhaden. Artificial baits like gold spoons and soft plastics are also effective.
Best Times and Places:
- Striped Bass: Late afternoon and evening near bridges and deeper channels.
- Speckled Trout: Early morning and late evening along grass beds and oyster bars.
- Red Drum: Late afternoon in shallow flats and around grassy areas.
Top Spots:
- Bath Creek: The creek’s grassy shorelines and shallow flats are ideal for speckled trout and red drum.
- Blount’s Creek: This area continues to be productive in the fall, with the added bonus of less boat traffic. Cotton Patch Landing’s marina and convenience store make it easy to gear up for a successful day on the water.
Winter Fishing on the Pamlico River
Species to Catch:
- Catfish: December to February
- Striped Bass: December to February
- White Perch: December to February
Bait and Tackle:
- Catfish: Use chicken livers, cut bait, and nightcrawlers.
- Striped Bass: Live shad and eels, as well as deep-diving crankbaits and jigs.
- White Perch: Use live minnows and small jigs.
Best Times and Places:
- Catfish: Midday to late afternoon near deeper holes and around submerged structures.
- Striped Bass: Midday when the sun warms the water slightly, near bridge pilings and deeper channels.
- White Perch: Mid-morning to late afternoon along the edges of channels and near submerged brush.
Top Spots:
- Tranter’s Creek: Known for its catfish and white perch, this creek provides excellent winter fishing.
- Blount’s Creek: The creek remains a reliable location for winter fishing. Cotton Patch Landing offers the amenities you need to stay comfortable during colder weather, including heated cabins, boat fuel and repair services.
Additional Tips for Fishing on the Pamlico River
- Check the Tides: Fishing is often better during changing tides. Be sure to consult a tide chart before heading out.
- Weather Conditions: Overcast days can lead to more active fish, particularly for species like striped bass and red drum.
- Use Local Knowledge: Stop by the bait & tackle shop at Cotton Patch Landing to get the latest information on what’s biting and the best baits to use.
- Safety First: Always wear a life jacket, especially when fishing from a boat. Be aware of your surroundings and weather conditions.
Cotton Patch Landing is your gateway to incredible fishing on Blount’s Creek and the Pamlico River. With our marina, boat slips, boat ramp, bait & tackle shop, boat repair service, and convenience store, we provide everything you need for a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. So pack your gear, bring your enthusiasm, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience on the Pamlico River! Click HERE to book now!
For more detailed fishing guides, tips, and updates on our amenities, be sure to visit the Campfire Chronicles regularly. Happy fishing!
