Cape Cod Fishing Report

My coworkers at On The Water in Falmouth are grinding away at the freshwater ponds on the Upper Cape. Anthony hit a 3 pounder last night from shore on a diagonal cast, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the thick 5-pound fish he’s looking for. Jimmy and Kevin picked off a few pickerel and bass last weekend with game changer and bright woolly bugger flies. Before work this morning, Jimmy reeled in his biggest pickerel of the season on a Gan Craft Jointed Claw 178 Glide Bait. Take advantage of the freshwater fishing on the Cape, it’s underrated and often overlooked because of the saltwater options.

Bruce, at Canal Bait and Tackle in Sagamore, says they’re starting to see some small tautog in the Canal, but freshwater is receiving the most attention right now, with reports of largemouth coming from the Mashpee and Wakeby area. Peter’s Pond was stocked on March 30 with brook trout and the week prior.

Evan, at Eastman’s Sport & Tackle in Falmouth, says trout fishing has been really good on the Upper Cape. One of his customers watched a local pond get stocked with 250 trout. No word on whether the angler took advantage of the opportunity. Largemouth reports have been quiet, but he does know of one person who is fishing the Mashpee area with shiners. No reports of tautog yet.

Larry, at Macos Bait and Tackle in Buzzards Bay, says anglers are catching winter flounder in the east end of the Canal with seaworms and clams. Haddock season opened today and the shop is already receiving reports of fish in 60 feet of water in the waters off Provincetown and Plymouth. Larry says tog are currently working their way north from Rhode Island – the shop will have an order of seaworms on Friday.

Derek, at Red Top Sporting Goods in Buzzards Bay, says the largemouth bite has been turning on, especially at night. Custom swimbaits and wakebaits have been working well, particularly for large fish between 5 to 7 pounds. Derek’s expecting the fish to go into pre-spawn mode in the next couple of weeks. Trout fishing has been consistent at the local ponds.

Amy, at Sports Port Bait & Tackle in Hyannis, says trout fishing has been “pretty decent” at the ponds in Centerville and Hyannis. Gold spoons and PowerBait have been the best choices for stockies.

Cape Cod Forecast

We’re now into April, signaling the opening of cod, haddock, and tautog season. Macos Bait and Tackle received reports of haddock in 60 feet of water off Provincetown and Plymouth. If by chance you have a boat already in the water or on a trailer, they’re are a legitimate option. Tautog fishing hasn’t taken off yet, but it should be picking up in the next 7 to 14 days on Buzzards Bay and the surrounding areas. Despite a considerable amount of rain Sunday afternoon, the freshwater bite has held up, particularly for largemouth, pickerel, and trout. Water temps hit 45 degrees at 9 am this morning in Woods Hole. It’s a 5-degree increase from last week.

Updated Massachusetts trout stocking report

Cape Cod National Weather Service Marine Forecast