Fishing Season: Year Round

Cape Cod - MA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Inshore Temp:

44

Offshore Temp:

47

Bear's Den's Tip of the Week

The winter slowdown is here. Migratory fish will mostly be moved on, so look for warmer locations and holdovers.

Directions open in app

Map of Cape Cod

Tide data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 12/16/25

Some Bonito have lingered. Large bass have mostly moved on, but some have stuck around. Reports of small bait as well as larger Peanut Bunker have been common. Not much good fishing and weather left to be had in the salt, but get out when you can for those last few fish of the year.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/16/25

Sub surface. Changing retrieve speeds to figure out a preferred tempo.

Current Conditions as of 12/16/25

Look for the warmer water temps and concentrations of bait.

Local Species Available Year Round

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    Striped Bass

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    Bluefish

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    False Albacore

Bear's Den's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Strolis Simple Baitfish All 2/0
Mud Dog Dazzle Bait All 3/0

Strolis Simple Baitfish

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Bear's Den's Recommended Gear

Description: About Cape Cod

The beautiful and productive waters of Buzzard Bay run from the west end of the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, near the Massachusetts Maritime Academy westward to Falmouth and the Elizabeth Islands. This unique and varied body of water includes the deep water channel of the Cape Cod Canal, numerous estuaries, flats and back bays. The diversified bottom structures include sandy drop-offs, bolder strewn edges, eel grass covered flats and calm water back-bays. The strong currents running through the canal provide some of the best fly and light tackle fishing opportunities in the Cape Cod area. The Cape Cod Canal land-cut sets up the perfect short-cut for bait fish and predatory species to reach both sides of Cape Cod. Stripers, Bluefish, False Albacore, Bonito, Sharks, Tuna and even an occasional Whale use this passage.

Nearest Airport:

Logan Airport Boston, MA or Green Airport Warwick, RI

Bait Recommendations:

Peanut Bunker, Bay Anchovies, Sandeels, Silversides, Adult Bunker, Squid, Crabs.