As we close out June 2025 and head into the peak summer fishing season, the waters around Cape Cod are showing promising signs of life despite challenging conditions. The recent heat wave that swept through the region brought both opportunities and obstacles for anglers targeting striped bass, bluefish, and other species throughout the Cape Cod Canal, Buzzards Bay, and Cape Cod Bay.
Cape Cod Canal: Below Average but Not Without Hope
According to AJ Coots of Red Top Sporting Goods, the Cape Cod Canal has experienced what many would consider a below-average June. The legendary "blitz" conditions haven't materialized as consistently as in previous years. However, this doesn't mean the canal is devoid of fish entirely. Recent activity shows promise, particularly with a push of striped bass in the 20-pound range appearing earlier this week.
Prime Canal Locations and Timing
For weekend warriors working nine-to-five jobs, timing and location become crucial. The most productive areas continue to be both ends of the canal - the east end near Sandwich and the west end near Buzzards Bay. These terminal areas offer the best chances for intercepting migrating fish as they move through the waterway.
For those willing to fish overnight sessions, the deeper holes around the bridge abutments present excellent jigging opportunities. The Sagamore Bridge area features several productive holes on both the Cape and mainland sides that have produced fish during nighttime sessions.
Optimal Timing Strategy:
- Arrive at gray light (around 5:00 AM or earlier)
- Focus on sunrise periods for topwater action
- Target minus tides for optimal chances at fish busting on the surface
Essential Canal Tackle and Techniques
Success in the canal requires versatility in your tackle selection. The unpredictable nature of fish location and feeding behavior demands a well-rounded approach to lure selection.
Distance Casting Arsenal
Pencil Poppers: Two distinct weights serve different purposes:
- Heavy distance pencils for fish feeding in the middle of the canal
- Three-ounce floating pencils for slower, more methodical presentations when fish are closer or more selective
Metal Lures: These versatile options deserve special attention for their adaptability. Metals can be:
- Burned across the surface during active feeds
- Worked with slower retrieves for a swimming presentation
- Jigged vertically in current for bottom-oriented fish
Jigs: Essential for nighttime and when fish are holding in deeper water around structure
Baitfish Patterns and Opportunities
The canal's bait situation has been sporadic but promising. Mackerel schools have been the primary attraction, with the unusual occurrence of mackerel appearing at the west end - typically less common than east end sightings. Behind these mackerel, anglers are finding silversides and herring fry, with sand eels likely mixed throughout.
This bait concentration, particularly when mackerel are present, can trigger explosive feeding behavior from striped bass. The key is being prepared when these conditions align, as they can create the "chaos" that canal veterans dream about.
Buzzards Bay: Warming Waters
The recent heat wave dramatically impacted Buzzards Bay's fishing conditions. Surface temperatures jumped from 56 degrees around Memorial Day to the low 70s following the three-day heat spell. This rapid temperature change has created diverse fishing opportunities across different species.
Multi-Species Game Plan
Morning Strategy: Target striped bass and bluefish during early morning hours when these species are most active in the warming waters.
Backup Options: Transition to bottom fishing for scup and sea bass when surface action slows. These species thrive in the warmer water and provide consistent action.
Grand Slam Potential: The current conditions offer realistic chances for a "Buzzards Bay Grand Slam" - scup, sea bass, striped bass, and bluefish in a single outing.
Productive Buzzards Bay Locations
Deep Water Bottom Fishing:
- Cleveland Ledge for consistent scup and sea bass action
- Stony Point area near the green can marker
Striper and Bluefish Areas:
- Bird Island vicinity has shown excellent activity, though bluefish presence means tackle adjustments are necessary
- Various shallow water structure throughout the bay
Bluefish Tackle Considerations
The return of bluefish to Buzzards Bay, while welcome for species diversity, requires tactical adjustments. Reports of eels being "bit in half" near Bird Island confirm their presence and aggressive nature.
Bluefish-Specific Lures:
- Metal lures for durability and effectiveness
- Roberts lures with single hooks
- Spofford Ballistic Missiles - inexpensive, durable options that withstand repeated bluefish encounters
These traditional bluefish lures may show wear marks but maintain their effectiveness through multiple fish encounters, making them cost-effective choices for sustained bluefish action.
Cape Cod Bay: Scattered but Promising
Cape Cod Bay's spring fishery, which showed exceptional promise in May, has transitioned to more scattered summer patterns. Current activity centers around two primary areas with distinct characteristics.
Plymouth Area
Boat fishing off Plymouth continues to produce fish, though shore-based opportunities have decreased. This area requires mobility and fish-finding electronics to locate active schools.
Provincetown Backside
The outer Cape waters off Provincetown have shown consistent activity, with fish keyed in on sand eels. This smaller bait creates presentation challenges but rewards persistent anglers with quality fish.
Essential Equipment: Side-scan sonar becomes crucial for locating fish in this area, as visual indicators may be minimal when fish are focused on small baitfish.
Bonus Species: Tuna activity has increased in this area, adding excitement and opportunity for properly equipped anglers.
Tuna Fishing: Regulation Changes and Opportunities
The upcoming July 1st regulation change expands the recreational tuna retention slot from 27-47 inches to 27-73 inches, significantly improving the viability of recreational tuna fishing. This change addresses the economic realities of tuna fishing, where fuel costs and time investment require reasonable chances of retention.
Local Tuna Opportunities
Provincetown Backside: Golf Ball area offers accessible tuna fishing for smaller boats
Stellwagen Bank: Proven area for larger "giant" tuna
Techniques: Trolling, popping, and jigging all produce in local waters
Emerging Species: Bonito
Bonito reports from Nantucket Sound continue to increase, with these fish becoming more abundant each year. Their presence helps bridge the gap between early summer striper/bluefish fishing and the fall false albacore run.
An interesting early-season highlight was the capture of a large Spanish mackerel mixed with bonito - extremely unusual for Cape Cod waters in June and potentially indicating favorable conditions for southern species migration.
Looking Ahead: July Prospects
Despite a slower-than-average June, the pieces are aligning for improved July fishing. Fish continue migrating northward from southern waters, and the cooler spring may have simply delayed the traditional migration timing by several weeks. The combination of abundant bait, warming water temperatures, and optimal tidal conditions suggests that the first week of July could trigger the sustained action that canal and bay fishermen have been waiting for.
Whether targeting the canal's classic dawn bite, exploring Buzzards Bay's diverse opportunities, or venturing into Cape Cod Bay's scattered but quality striper fishing, success comes to those who adapt their tactics to current conditions while maintaining confidence in the Cape's proven fishing grounds.
Tight lines, take care, and thank you for listening!