Cape Cod and Buzzards Bay Fishing Report 12-27-2012

Pickerel Active, Salmon Still Biting

It’s still an open-water game on Cape, but the first week of 2013 might bring what is needed weather-wise, to start locking up the ponds in Southeast Massachusetts.

Whether ice forms or not, the trout fishing right now is very good. Todd at Falmouth Bait and Tackle and Dan at the Hook Up both reported great trout action. Todd said there have been a large number of browns in the 3-pound range taken at Upper Cape Ponds such as Mashpee-Wakeby, Mares and Peters. Cliff has been producing decent trout action, and salmon as well. Falmouth Bait and Tackle has weighed in a 7 and a 5-pound salmon, and Dan at the Hook Up has seen salmon up to 15 pounds caught.

Natural baits such as shiners or worms continue to tempt any of the trout species. According to Todd at Falmouth Bait and Tackle, Powerbait has been working as well. Quality brown trout continue to mix in with the rainbows. Bait is the best bet for browns, while rainbows will strike lures as well.

For a big trout, larger ponds that receive a fall stocking will be your best bet, as these ponds typically hold over trout from year to year, providing trophy opportunities. This time of year typically offers the best shot at a big brown trout. From now until the ponds freeze, browns will be prowling the shoreline and will be willing to strike at spoons, stickbaits or live baitfish. Shiners work, but many anglers agree that live mummichogs (killifish, minnows, mummies, chubs) are a better trout bait.

Pickerel fishing has been good lately. These fish remain active even in the coldest water temperatures. Todd at Falmouth reported fast action in some of the smaller ponds around the Cape. Shiners are automatic for pickerel, but they will strike lures like jerkbaits and spinnerbaits aggressively as well. Todd reported that topwaters were working for the pickerel this week.

Smallmouth bass are balled up in deeper water, and if you can find them, you can have a field day. Christian at Falmouth Bait and Tackle had a few customers who reported using their electronics to locate a school of smallies before catching one after another on drop-shot rigs.

Though they rarely show up in the reports, panfish are a viable option this time of year as well. Yellow perch, bluegill and even crappie will still strike in the cold water. Often times, these fish school up in deeper water and a boat or kayak is needed to get to them. Small jigs or small minnows are often the ticket.

Best Bets for the Weekend

Trout remain the best bet, but if you’d like a shot at a trophy, try slinging spoons or stickbaits in one of the five ponds stocked with broodstock salmon—Long, Little, Cliff, Peters or Sheeps.

Pickerel are a great light-tackle option this time of year. Shiners under a float or lures will tempt these fish.

If you have a boat and some reliable electronics looking in deeper water for schooled up smallies could pay off big time. Search over structure in 30 or more feet of water. Drop-shot rigs and blade baits will give you the best shot at hooking up.