What You'll Find at Little River Inlet

Little River Inlet sits at the North Carolina–South Carolina border near the town of Little River, about 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach. The inlet itself is a narrow tidal passage where the Atlantic Ocean meets the salt marshes and creeks of the Waccamaw River system. It's a working commercial fishing port with a strong charter fleet, but it also holds solid opportunities for wade fishing, kayak fishing, and shore access without a boat.

The inlet's main draw is red drum (redfish), which move through on predictable seasonal patterns. You'll also find spotted seatrout, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel depending on the season. The shallow flats and marsh edges hold smaller redfish and trout year-round, while deeper channels and the ocean side produce larger fish and pelagics in summer and fall.

Access is straightforward: a public boat ramp, a fishing pier, and wade-able flats on both sides of the inlet. The inlet mouth itself can run rough in wind or tide, so understanding the water conditions before you go is essential.

Key Takeaways

  • Red drum are the primary target at Little River Inlet, with the best bite during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when fish move through the inlet on migration.
  • A public boat ramp and fishing pier provide free or low-cost access; wade fishing the flats and marsh edges requires no boat and works well for trout and smaller redfish.
  • Tidal flow is strong at the inlet mouth, so fish the slack tide or incoming tide for the calmest water and most predictable feeding.
  • South Carolina saltwater fishing requires a saltwater fishing license, available online or at tackle shops, and costs vary by residency and license type.
  • The inlet can get rough quickly in wind; check the marine forecast and tide tables before launching, especially if you're in a small boat or kayak.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (March–May) brings the strongest red drum bite as fish move north out of wintering grounds. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and redfish stack in the inlet and nearby creeks. Incoming tides and the hour or two around slack tide are most productive. Spotted seatrout also move in during this window, and you can sight-fish the flats on clear days.

Summer (June–August) is slower for redfish but excellent for Spanish mackerel and king mackerel in the deeper channels and offshore. Water temperatures reach the mid-70s to low 80s. Trout fishing remains steady in the early morning and late afternoon. Heat and afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan to fish early and be off the water by mid-afternoon.

Fall (September–November) is the second-best season for redfish as fish migrate south. Water cools from the high 70s to the low 50s by November. Flounder also move through in October and November, and Spanish mackerel remain active through October. This is also when king mackerel fishing peaks in the deeper channels.

Winter (December–February) is the slowest season. Redfish are present but less active, and most anglers target trout in the deeper creeks and channels where water stays slightly warmer. Water temperatures drop to the low 40s, and wind can be relentless. This is a good time to learn the inlet's structure and practice technique rather than chase numbers.

Access Points and How to Use Them

The Little River Inlet boat ramp is located at the end of Inlet Drive in Little River. It's a two-lane public ramp with a parking lot and is maintained by the town. There is no launch fee. The ramp is concrete and in good condition, but it can get crowded on weekends and during peak seasons. Arrive early if you're launching a boat, especially in spring and fall.

The Little River Fishing Pier extends into the inlet and is open to the public for a small daily fee (typically $5–$8 per person, though rates vary). The pier is about 700 feet long and gives you direct access to the inlet channel without a boat. Red drum, trout, and flounder are all caught from the pier, and it's a good option if you don't have a boat or want to avoid the inlet's rough water. The pier has a tackle shop on-site and is open year-round during daylight hours.

Wade fishing is possible on the flats on both sides of the inlet, particularly on the south side near the marsh edges. You can access these areas by kayak or by wading from the shore near the ramp. Spotted seatrout and smaller redfish are the primary targets. Low tide exposes more flats and makes wading easier, but incoming tide often triggers better feeding. A shallow-draft kayak is ideal for exploring the creeks and flats without disturbing the water.

Tides, Water Conditions, and Timing

Little River Inlet experiences a semi-diurnal tide with two highs and two lows each day. Tidal range is typically 4 to 5 feet, but it can exceed 6 feet during spring tides (full and new moon). The inlet mouth funnels tidal flow, so current can run 2 to 3 knots at peak flood or ebb.

Fish feed most actively during slack tide — the 30 to 60 minutes when current slows between flood and ebb. This is when redfish and trout move into the shallows to feed. The incoming (flood) tide is the second-best window, as it pushes baitfish into the flats and creeks. Outgoing (ebb) tide can work, but fish are often less aggressive and more scattered.

Check the NOAA tide tables for Little River Inlet before each trip. Tide times shift by about 50 minutes each day, so what worked yesterday may not work today. A tide app on your phone makes this easy to track in real time.

Wind and weather matter more at Little River than at protected creeks. The inlet mouth faces northeast and can build rough water quickly in northeast or east winds. Check the marine forecast from NOAA before launching. Winds under 10 knots are manageable; 15 knots or more can make the inlet uncomfortable or unsafe for small boats and kayaks. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can develop fast, so plan to be off the water by mid-afternoon.

Species, Tackle, and Techniques

Red drum are the signature fish at Little River Inlet. They range from 18 inches (slot fish, which you can keep) to 40+ pounds (oversized, which must be released). Use 7- to 9-foot medium-power spinning rods with 15- to 20-pound braided line and a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Live mullet, live shrimp, and cut mullet are the most reliable baits. Artificial lures — topwater plugs, soft plastics, and spoons — also work well, especially in clear water and on the flats. Cast near structure (dock pilings, marsh edges, oyster beds) and work the bait slowly.

Spotted seatrout are abundant and often overlooked. They prefer lighter tackle: 6- to 7-foot medium spinning rods with 10- to 15-pound line. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the classic technique. Soft plastics (3- to 4-inch shrimp imitations) on a 1/8-ounce jig head also produce. Fish the flats and marsh edges in 2 to 4 feet of water, especially early morning and late afternoon.

Flounder move through the inlet in fall (October–November). They hold on the bottom in deeper channels and near structure. Use live mullet or live shrimp on a fish-finder rig, or cast soft plastics along the channel edges. Flounder are ambush predators, so fish slowly and let the bait sit.

Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are summer and fall targets in the deeper channels and offshore. Use 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rods with 20- to 30-pound line. Live mackerel, mullet, or bunker are standard baits. Spanish mackerel also hit small metal spoons and topwater plugs. King mackerel require heavier tackle and wire or heavy mono leaders to resist their teeth.

Regulations and Licensing

South Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who fishes in salt water. Licenses are available online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, at tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A 3-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you're visiting. Licenses are issued immediately online and can be printed or shown on your phone.

Red drum have specific size and bag limits. In South Carolina, the slot limit is 18 to 27 inches (you can keep one fish per day in this range), and any fish over 27 inches must be released. Spotted seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily bag limit. Flounder have a 14-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily bag limit. Spanish mackerel have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily bag limit. King mackerel regulations vary by size class; check the current regulations before you fish.

Fishing from the pier requires no additional license beyond the saltwater license, but the pier itself charges a daily access fee. The boat ramp is free to use with a valid license.

Getting There and Nearby Services

Little River is located on US Highway 17, about 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach and just south of the North Carolina border. From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 north for roughly 45 minutes. The town is small but has gas stations, restaurants, and a few tackle shops. The closest major airport is Myrtle Beach International (MYR), about 45 minutes south.

Lodging options range from vacation rentals and small motels in Little River to larger resort chains in nearby Myrtle Beach. If you're planning a multi-day trip, book accommodations in advance, especially during spring and fall when the inlet is busiest.

The Little River Tackle Shop is located near the pier and stocks live bait, tackle, and local knowledge. Stop in before your first trip to ask about recent conditions and what's biting. Charter captains operate out of the inlet if you want a guided trip; several are based at the boat ramp and can be found through online searches or by asking at the tackle shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Little River Inlet?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most productive seasons for red drum, which is the primary target. Water temperatures are moderate, and fish are actively migrating through the inlet. Summer is good for Spanish mackerel and trout; winter is slow but possible if you focus on deeper creeks.

Do I need a boat to fish Little River Inlet?

No. The fishing pier provides direct access to the inlet channel without a boat, and the flats on both sides of the inlet can be waded or fished from a kayak. A boat gives you more options and access to deeper channels, but it's not required.

What should I bring if I'm fishing from the pier?

Bring a medium spinning rod (6 to 7 feet), 15- to 20-pound line, live shrimp or mullet, and a small cooler for your catch. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential. The pier has a tackle shop on-site if you forget anything, but it's better to come prepared.

Is the inlet safe for kayaks?

The inlet mouth can get rough in wind or strong tide, so kayaking is best during slack tide and calm weather. The flats and creeks on either side of the inlet are much safer and hold plenty of fish. Check the marine forecast and tide tables before launching.

Can I keep every red drum I catch?

No. South Carolina's slot limit allows you to keep one red drum per day between 18 and 27 inches. Any fish smaller than 18 inches or larger than 27 inches must be released immediately. This protects both young fish and large breeding fish.