Fishing Near Yarmouth and Dennis, MA
Yarmouth and Dennis, located on Cape Cod’s scenic coast, offer some of the best saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities in the region. From the calm waters of Cape Cod Bay to the bustling shores of Nantucket Sound, anglers can enjoy a variety of species year-round. Whether you're fishing for striped bass in the ocean or largemouth bass in quiet ponds, Yarmouth and Dennis provide exciting options for anglers of all skill levels.
A Brief History of Yarmouth and Dennis
Yarmouth is one of Cape Cod’s oldest incorporated towns, dating back to the early 1600s. Once an agricultural community, Yarmouth has always had a deep connection to the sea, with many of its residents historically relying on the ocean for their livelihoods. Today, Yarmouth is a resort town with three distinct villages—South Yarmouth, Yarmouth Port, and West Yarmouth—each offering access to excellent fishing spots.
Dennis, located just west of Yarmouth, also has a rich maritime history. The town was officially incorporated in 1793 and is named after Reverend Josiah Dennis. Dennis is divided into five unique villages—Dennis Village, East Dennis, South Dennis, West Dennis, and Dennis Port—each offering its own distinct charm and access to both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. Like Yarmouth, Dennis has evolved from a farming and fishing hub into a popular vacation destination, offering diverse fishing experiences for anglers of all levels.
Fishing Spots and Access Points
1. Bass River (South Yarmouth)
- Description: The Bass River is Cape Cod's largest river, dividing Yarmouth and Dennis. Anglers will find striped bass, black sea bass, bluefish, and fluke in abundance, with the option to fish at Tire Pile, an artificial reef south of Bass River.
- Target Fish: Striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, fluke, tautog, scup, and false albacore.
- Parking: Free parking is available at Bass River Beach.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 10-minute drive (3.6 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 11-minute drive (5 miles).
2. Smuggler’s Beach (West Yarmouth)
- Description: Located at the mouth of Bass River, Smuggler’s Beach is ideal for pier and jetty fishing, where fluke, bluefish, and striped bass are frequently caught. This is also a great place to go with kids, thanks to the well-maintained fishing pier.
- Target Fish: Fluke, bluefish, striped bass.
- Parking: Free parking is available at Bass River Beach.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 10-minute drive (3.6 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 11-minute drive (5 miles).
3. West Dennis Beach (Dennis)
- Description: This popular bathing beach transforms into a prime fishing location after dark, with bluefish most common in the summer and striped bass in spring and fall. Walk west along the shore, passing a series of jetties to reach the outflow and shallow flats near Swan River. Use striper lures like Hogy Originals or Sand Eels for larger bass at night. In the early morning or at dusk, try popping plugs for big bluefish.
- Target Fish: Striped bass, bluefish.
- Parking: Ample parking at West Dennis Beach, but it's paid during peak summer months.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 15-minute drive (5.1 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 2-minute drive (2.2 miles).
4. Swan River (Dennis)
- Description: A peaceful spot best fished after dark. During summer, bluefish are common, while stripers are more prevalent in spring and fall. Anglers can wade out along a series of jetties west of the public beach to reach the shallow outflow from Swan River.
- Target Fish: Striped bass, bluefish.
- Parking: Limited parking near Swan River Beach; arrive early.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 14-minute drive (6.1 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 4-minute drive (1.2 miles).
5. Corporation Beach (Dennis)
- Description: Situated along Cape Cod Bay, Corporation Beach is a popular spot for saltwater fishing, especially during the spring and fall when striped bass are abundant. The tidal flats make it a perfect spot for wade fishing, and the gentle currents allow for easy access to prime fishing areas.
- Target Fish: Striped bass, bluefish, flounder.
- Parking: Paid parking available during summer months.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 20-minute drive (9.6 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 18-minute drive (8.1 miles).
6. Gray's Beach (Yarmouth Port)
- Description: This estuary opens into Cape Cod Bay, offering great opportunities for wade fishing or kayak fishing. While the currents can be strong, early morning or night fishing here can yield trophy-sized striped bass.
- Target Fish: Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, black sea bass.
- Parking: Free parking available at Gray’s Beach.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 14-minute drive (6.3 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 16-minute drive (7.9 miles).
7. Hallet’s Millpond (Yarmouth Port)
- Description: A favorite among local anglers, Hallet’s Millpond is known for its peaceful surroundings and opportunities for fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting.
- Target Fish: Whitefish, trout, sunfish, bass.
- Parking: Limited parking available near the pond.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 12-minute drive (5.2 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 18-minute drive (8.5 miles).
8. Long Pond (South Yarmouth)
- Description: Long Pond is a stocked freshwater pond, offering largemouth bass, perch, pickerel, sunfish, and trout, especially in the spring and early summer.
- Target Fish: Largemouth bass, perch, trout, pickerel, sunfish, brown bullhead.
- Parking: Small lot near the pond for easy access.
View on Google Maps - Distance from Sun of a Beach Cottage (Yarmouth): A 9-minute drive (4.1 miles).
- Distance from House a Rest and Shore Thing Cottages (Dennis): A 8-minute drive (3.5 miles).
Local Insider Opinions
Locals recommend Swan River and West Dennis Beach for their peaceful fishing after dark, especially for catching striped bass and bluefish during the shoulder seasons. Corporation Beach in Dennis is a favorite for wade fishing, with the shallow tidal flats offering great opportunities for catching striped bass. For a family-friendly outing, I personally like to fish at the fishing pier at Smuggler’s Beach in West Yarmouth—it’s a great spot to take kids and offers consistent catches of fluke and bluefish.
Best Months for Fishing
Fishing in Yarmouth and Dennis is most productive from April to September, with different species being more active throughout the seasons:
- April - May: Striped bass, tautog, and flounder become active as the waters warm. Trout fishing at Long Pond is excellent during this time.
- June - July: Bluefish, black sea bass, and scup are in abundance. Offshore fishing brings in bluefin tuna and blue sharks.
- August - September: False albacore, bonito, and bluefish can be found in large numbers, with striped bass still providing excellent catches.
- October - November: Atlantic mackerel, pollock, and bluefish remain active before colder weather sets in.
Top 10 Fish Species in Yarmouth and Dennis
- Striped bass
- Bluefish
- Flounder
- Black sea bass
- Cod
- Tautog
- Atlantic mackerel
- Scup
- Bonito
- Pollock
Fishing Charters
Both Yarmouth and Dennis offer a variety of fishing charters that cater to anglers of all skill levels. Charters often depart from Bass River Beach in Yarmouth and Corporation Beach in Dennis, targeting striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and other local species.
Plan Your Fishing Adventure
Yarmouth and Dennis offer a diverse array of fishing spots, from the tidal flats of Corporation Beach to the deep waters of Bass River. Whether you’re seeking the excitement of saltwater fishing or the calm of freshwater ponds, these Cape Cod towns have something for every angler. After a day of fishing, return to one of our cozy cottages for a relaxing evening.
Book your stay now and enjoy the ultimate Cape Cod fishing adventure!