Oregon Inlet Water Temperature
The northern gateway to the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet moves an enormous volume of water on every tide. Flounder hold in the cuts and along the channel edges, bluefish and false albacore blitz through in fall, and the sound-side flats behind the inlet hold redfish and speckled trout. Heavy boat traffic through the channel — fish the edges.
Water Temperature
falling — direction matters as much as the number
Interpolated between 2 coastal sensors — nearest is Oregon Inlet Marina NC, 0 mi away. Not measured at Oregon Inlet.
Temperature Lines
Where each temperature meets the coast, measured along the shoreline.
- 68°29 mi northNot moving consistently enough this week to give a rate
- 72°30 mi northNot moving consistently enough this week to give a rate
Positions are where the temperature crosses the coastline, interpolated between sensors. Rates are fitted over a week so a few days of upwelling cannot masquerade as a trend.
Recent Trend
Along the Coast
Distance measured along the shoreline. North is up.
Species Bands at This Temperature
Temperature ranges anglers associate with these fish. Not a forecast — fish move for reasons a thermometer cannot see.
- Flounder60–75°
About 3° outside the band. Structure and moving water matter more than the exact degree.
Access
Public boat ramp at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Beach and catwalk access under the Marc Basnight Bridge. Sound-side flats are wadeable; 4WD beach access south of the inlet requires an NPS ORV permit.
Best Seasons
Target Species Here
Know when Oregon Inlet turns
We watch the water and send a note when it crosses a temperature band at this spot. A handful of times a season, never more than once a week. No catch reports, no promises about fish — just what the water did.
Fishing Oregon Inlet?
We build rigs and jigs specifically for these waters. Hand-tied, pull-tested, and ready to fish.