Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Daily Fishing Report

"Cape Cod Canal Fishing Report: Stripers Storming the Buzzards Bay"


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CAPE COD CANAL FISHING REPORT - May 21, 2025

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your mid-week fishing update from the legendary Cape Cod Canal and surrounding waters.

The bite is absolutely on fire right now! Following that full moon we had on the 12th, we've seen wave after wave of stripers pushing through the Canal. Those big schools that were staging in upper Buzzards Bay a couple weeks ago have definitely made their move, and the action has been spectacular.

Tide-wise, we're looking at a high tide around 10:30 this morning with the outgoing starting shortly after. If you can get out there, the first couple hours of outgoing have been money lately. The morning drop has been producing slot fish consistently, with some hefty over-slot bass mixed in.

Weather's shaping up nicely today - temps in the mid-60s with light southwest winds around 5-10 knots. Sunrise was at 5:14 AM, and we've got until 8:07 PM before the sun ducks out, giving you plenty of daylight to work with.

Fish activity has been strongest at the west end and mid-Canal stretches. We're seeing stripers in the 26-36 inch range, with some bruisers pushing into the 40+ inch category. The herring runs are still going strong, and these bass are absolutely gorging themselves. Several anglers reported catching fish with multiple herring in their gullets!

Tautog fishing remains excellent in the rocky areas of Buzzards Bay, and those giant scup everyone's been talking about are still hanging around. Black sea bass season just opened, and the early reports are promising.

For lures, those skinny "racer" blues have shown up, so something flashy like a Daiwa SP Minnow or a swimming plug will get attention. Redfins have been the hot ticket for Canal regulars. If you're bait fishing, fresh mackerel or sea worms rigged on a fish-finder have been producing. The shops just got fresh green crabs in for those targeting tog.

Hot spots worth checking: Scusset Beach on the east end has been firing on all cylinders, especially during the early morning outgoing. The Herring Run area midway through the Canal has also been lights out when the tide gets moving. If you're willing to venture off the Canal, the beaches around Plymouth have been holding some absolute monsters feeding on pogies.

Remember, the next moon phase should trigger another push of fresh fish, so things are only going to get better from here. The water temp is now well into the 50s, and these fish are hungry and aggressive.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off from the Cape. See ya on the water!
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Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Daily Fishing ReportBy Quiet. Please