As the temperatures cool and the summer crowds leave the beaches behind, the fall season in the Outer Banks becomes one of the best times of the year to experience some top-notch inshore and nearshore fishing. Whether you’re a local who knows these waters like the back of your hand or you’re planning a trip to this beautiful part of North Carolina for the first time, fall is the sweet spot for catching everything from red drum to king mackerel.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the species you can target, the locations that will give you the best chance at a great catch, and why this season offers something special for anglers. We’ll also get into the nitty-gritty details on how changing conditions—like water temperature, wind, and tides—affect your chances of landing the big one. And of course, we’ll wrap up with why booking a charter is the easiest, most stress-free way to get the most out of your Outer Banks fall fishing adventure.
Why Fall is the Best Time for Fishing in the Outer Banks
First things first—why fall? Well, fall fishing in the Outer Banks is something of a well-kept secret. Once the summer tourists pack up and head home, the local waters come alive with fish on the move. Many species are gearing up for their migrations south, and they’re feeding aggressively in preparation. At the same time, cooler water temperatures bring a fresh breath of life to the inshore areas that were too hot during the summer.
The fall season stretches from September through November, and it offers a perfect mix of pleasant weather, great fishing conditions, and fewer boats on the water. Plus, with the water still warm from summer but cooling just enough to make the fish more active, you get that ideal window where fishing is at its best.
The geographical location of the Outer Banks, where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current, creates a rich fishing environment that attracts a wide variety of species, especially in the fall. Inshore and nearshore waters alike become prime real estate for fish like red drum, speckled trout, flounder, mackerel, and more.
Inshore Fishing: Where the Action is Close to Shore
Inshore fishing in the Outer Banks during the fall is a real treat, especially for anglers who love targeting species in the calm, shallow waters of the estuaries, creeks, and sounds. The primary inshore fish species during this time are red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. Here’s what you need to know about each:
The Big Three Inshore Species
- Red Drum (Redfish): One of the most popular and iconic fish in these waters, red drum love the cooler weather. They move into the shallows to feed on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. In the fall, you’ll often find large “bull” reds hanging out near sandbars, marshy areas, and oyster beds. They’re strong, aggressive fighters, which is part of why they’re such a prized catch.
- Speckled Trout: Fall is prime speckled trout season. These fish are plentiful and can be found cruising the grass flats, oyster bars, and along the edges of creeks and marshes. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the best times to target them, and soft plastics or topwater plugs can be very effective.
- Flounder: These flat, ambush predators are often found lying in wait on sandy bottoms, ready to strike at anything that comes too close. Fall is a great time to target them inshore, particularly in shallow creeks, nearshore inlets, and sandy flats. Live bait like finger mullet works well, but artificial jigs bounced along the bottom can be just as effective.
Best Inshore Techniques
Inshore fishing is relatively accessible and can be done with light to medium tackle. For red drum, live bait like mullet or menhaden fished on a Carolina rig is a go-to method. For speckled trout, soft plastics on light jig heads are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. Fly fishing is also popular here, especially for red drum and trout. Flounder are best targeted with a slower approach—dragging a jig or live bait near the bottom tends to be the most effective way to get their attention.
Hot Inshore Spots
Some of the best spots for inshore fishing in the Outer Banks include the waters around Roanoke Island, Croatan Sound, and the flats near Oregon Inlet. Pamlico Sound is also a top destination in the fall, offering a vast area of shallow water where fish come to feed. The marshes, estuaries, and creeks near Manteo are great spots for speckled trout and red drum, while flounder can be found near the mouths of creeks and around sandy drop-offs.
Nearshore Fishing: Just a Few Miles Offshore
Nearshore fishing in the fall takes you just a few miles off the beach, where you can target bigger, faster species. The waters off the coast of the Outer Banks are home to several game fish that either migrate through or spend the cooler months close to shore.
Nearshore Species to Target
- Spanish Mackerel: These fish are fast, aggressive, and plentiful in the fall. You’ll often see them schooling near the surface, chasing baitfish like mullet or menhaden. They’re a blast to catch on light tackle, and they’re known for their sharp teeth and blistering runs.
- King Mackerel: Larger and even more powerful than their Spanish cousins, king mackerel are a top nearshore target in the fall. They’re often caught trolling live bait or deep-diving plugs. They put up a great fight and are a favorite for anglers looking to land a bigger fish.
- Bluefish: Known for their aggressive feeding behavior, bluefish will strike just about anything, from topwater plugs to jigs. They school up in big numbers in the fall, making them easy to target. They’re also known for their strong fight, despite their smaller size compared to mackerel.
- False Albacore: False albacore are a nearshore favorite for anglers looking for a fast, exciting fight. They’re not great for eating, but they make up for it with their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic fights when hooked.
Best Nearshore Techniques
Trolling is one of the most popular techniques for nearshore fishing in the fall. Whether you’re trolling spoons, deep-diving plugs, or live bait, covering ground is key to finding schools of Spanish mackerel and king mackerel. For species like false albacore, sight casting with jigs or spoons when they’re busting bait on the surface can result in some fast action. Always keep an eye out for birds working the water—that’s usually a sign that the fish are feeding near the surface.
Top Nearshore Spots
The waters just off Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet are prime nearshore fishing grounds. These areas see a lot of fish movement due to the mixing of currents and the presence of baitfish. The artificial reefs and shipwrecks scattered a few miles offshore are also hotspots for mackerel and bluefish. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to offer the best nearshore fishing, as this is when the fish are most actively feeding.
Adapting to Fall Fishing Conditions: Weather, Water, and Timing
One of the key factors that separates successful anglers from the rest is the ability to adapt to changing conditions. In the fall, as water temperatures drop and the weather fluctuates, fish behavior can change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour. Here’s how you can adapt to make sure you’re making the most of your time on the water.
Water Temperature: Follow the Fish
As fall progresses, water temperatures drop from the summer highs, and this shift is what triggers a lot of fish species to feed more aggressively or start migrating. For inshore species like red drum and speckled trout, the sweet spot tends to be when the water is in the 60-70°F range. Red drum, in particular, are more likely to be found in shallow waters during these cooler periods, feeding heavily in preparation for the colder months.
Speckled trout also respond to dropping water temperatures by moving into shallower waters, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. On colder mornings, you might find them in deeper channels, but as the sun warms up the shallows, they’ll move back in to feed.
Flounder, being bottom-dwellers, are more sensitive to water temperature fluctuations. They’ll stick to the sandy flats and nearshore areas until the water drops below about 60°F, at which point they’ll move into deeper waters.
Wind and Tides: Know When to Fish
Wind and tides play a big role in fall fishing success. On windy days, baitfish tend to be pushed toward the shore, and the larger fish follow. If you’re fishing inshore, look for spots where the wind pushes water into creeks, cuts, or along marsh points—these are prime ambush spots for red drum and trout. For nearshore fishing, a light to moderate wind can create the perfect conditions for mackerel and bluefish to feed aggressively.
Tides are especially important for inshore fishing. Falling tides tend to push baitfish out of the marshes and creeks, and that’s when predatory fish like red drum and trout are waiting to strike. Timing your fishing around the tides can dramatically improve your chances of success.
Adapt and Succeed
The key to great fall fishing is being flexible and adapting to the conditions of the day. Pay attention to water temperature, wind direction, and tidal movements, and adjust your techniques accordingly. If the fish aren’t biting in one area, don’t be afraid to move to another spot where the conditions might be better.
Fall Fishing Charters in the Outer Banks
If all this sounds like a lot to juggle, you’re not wrong. The good news is, booking a fishing charter takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. Experienced local captains have spent years learning the waters and understanding how fish behave as the seasons change. They know exactly where to go and what to use to put you on the fish, whether you’re targeting red drum inshore or king mackerel nearshore.
When you book a charter, all the equipment is provided—rods, reels, bait, and tackle—so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or completely new to fishing, the crew will make sure you’re set up for success, from casting to reeling in the big one.
The fall season offers some of the best fishing of the year in the Outer Banks, and there’s no better way to experience it than with the help of a local guide. Ready to make some memories and catch some fish? Book your fall fishing trip today, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the best fishing destinations on the East Coast.