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Cape Cod Canal Fishing Report: Shoulder Season Stripers & Autumn Possibilities
Artificial Lure here with your Cape Cod Canal fishing report for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.
We’re waking up to classic shoulder-season Cape weather: crisp air at 52°F, light clouds overhead, a touch of humidity, and a 9 mph breeze—just enough to ripple the surface and keep you honest, but nothing that’ll scare you off the rocks. Water temps are about 60°F, so wear your waders if you’re wading or working the riprap. Sunrise hit at 7:06 am and sunset’ll be at 5:47 pm, giving us a nice 10 hours and 41 minutes to wet a line.
On the tide front, we’re looking at a strong set for fish movement: next major high tide at Cape Cod Canal RR Bridge lands at 11:36 am with a decent 3.87 ft. The low swung through early at 4 am, and it’ll drop again this evening at 6:40 pm. Tidal coefficient’s high today, so currents will be running hard—ideal conditions for targeting stripers as bait gets pushed and stirred along the banks, according to the tide experts over at tides4fishing.
The bite’s been fair to good, with a fresh shot of schoolie and slot-size striped bass still rolling through, though don’t expect the mayhem of early fall runs. Word on the east and west ends is that a handful of keepers are still coming on both tides, especially the outgoing when those canal currents pull baitfish out of hiding. Bluefish numbers have dropped off, but the occasional late-season blue is still possible, especially on the east end for those tossing metals at first light.
Talking recent catches, most folks are picking away at stripers in the 24–28" class, with the rare slot fish to 31" mixed in. Mornings around the herring run and Bourne Bridge stanchions have put out the best reports. A couple of diehards even reported late-run albies chasing small profiles on the surface last week—unlikely, but worth keeping a small epoxy minnow in your bag just in case.
For lures, it’s all about matching the hatch as peanut bunker and silversides are still flashing in the canal flow. Jigs tipped with soft plastics (pink or white) are money on the swing. If you like to toss topwater, walk-the-dog style spooks before sunrise and again just before dusk have taken some of the better fish for those willing to stick it out. Swimmers in bone or mackerel patterns have also put a few bass on the deck when worked close to structure.
Natural bait crew—bring some fresh chunk mackerel or sea herring. Fish ’em tight to the current seams as bass and even the odd tog will sniff them out. If you can get green crabs, try for blackfish along the rocks and canal walls—they’re picking up and you might scratch out a decent dinner if you’re persistent.
Hot spots right now:
- The stretch between the Railroad Bridge and the Herring Run heading east, especially the fishy pocket by the mussel beds.
- The “Sagamore stretch” under the Sagamore Bridge offers good current and deep water access right off the stone—don’t overlook it, especially when the outgoing tide gets ripping.
That’s the canvas for today: layers, coffee, a pocket full of jigs, and Patience. Thanks for tuning in to the canal report! Don’t forget to subscribe so you’re always in the loop for Cape tides, hotspots, and tackle tips.
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Published on 1 month, 1 week ago