Where the Bite Is Heating Up This Week

Anglers across North and South Carolina are seeing a noticeable uptick in fish activity as stable weather windows, warming water temperatures, and consistent tidal movement combine to create predictable feeding patterns. Whether fishing freshwater lakes, rivers, inshore waters, or the surf, success this week is coming to anglers who adjust timing and location rather than simply changing lures.

Freshwater Highlights

Across the Piedmont, Midlands, and Coastal Plain, largemouth bass are staging near shallow flats and secondary structure, moving shallow during warm afternoons and pulling back slightly during cooler mornings. Slow-moving soft plastics, jigs, and spinnerbaits are producing the most consistent bites.

Crappie and panfish action continues to improve, especially around brush piles and timber in 8–18 feet of water. Catfish remain a reliable option statewide, with increased activity following rain events that raise water levels and improve current flow.

River & Backwater Bite

In river systems and brackish backwaters, mixed-species action is creating unique opportunities. Largemouth bass, redfish, catfish, and panfish are all being caught in transitional zones influenced by tides and freshwater flow.

Falling tides are producing the strongest bite windows, particularly in creek mouths and along grass edges where baitfish are concentrated.

Inshore & Coastal Update

Inshore anglers are reporting steady action for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder across tidal creeks, sounds, and estuaries. Timing trips around moving water continues to be the key factor, with falling tides producing the most consistent results.

Along the beaches and piers, surf anglers are seeing mixed catches of whiting, sea mullet, black drum, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when baitfish move close to shore.

This Week’s Bite Intel Snapshot

  • Best Freshwater Window: Late morning through afternoon warming periods

  • Best Inshore Window: Moving tides, especially falling tides

  • Most Consistent Pattern: Slower presentations near structure

  • Key Trigger: Stable weather and increasing water temperatures

Pro Tip of the Week

When conditions feel tough, don’t abandon productive water too quickly. Fish are feeding in shorter windows this week, so staying put through tide or temperature changes often pays off.