1. Westport River (Westport)
The marshy corners of both branches of the Westport River provide great habitat for schoolies in early spring. Along rocks, pilings, and bridges, look for tautog running through the estuary this time of year. In May, larger stripers arrive as they chase herring up the river.

Surfcast from scenic Cherry & Webb Beach, or cast a line from the Route 88 bridge or the Hixbridge Road bridge. If you have a boat, launch from the state boat ramp to reach nearby destinations like Ship Rock and Gooseberry Island, or to head out into Buzzards Bay’s open waters.

2. Apponagansett Bay/Padanaram (Dartmouth)
   Apponagansett Bay in South Dartmouth is another popular spot for fishing, especially from shore. Head to the Padanaram drawbridge to catch stripers, tautog, or scup, or try surfcasting from the beach along Smith Neck Road. Or embark by boat from the town landing at Apponagansett Park to fish in the harbor or just outside the mouth.
3. Dumpling Rocks, Great Ledge, and the Sandspit (Dartmouth)
   If you have a boat, then you have even more options for great striper fishing. One place to try this spring is actually a trio of spots known as Dumpling Rocks, the Great Ledge, and the Sandspit. These rocks and ledges just off Round Hill in Dartmouth hold some stripers starting in spring. Nearby Mishaum Ledge is also worth a visit. You can launch from Westport, Dartmouth, or New Bedford to reach these waters.
4. Fort Taber Park (New Bedford)
   a man holding a tautog on a boat on Buzzards Bay
   Tautog is another species you might catch in Buzzards Bay in spring. Look for these fish near rocks, reefs, piers, and ledges. (Image: Tom Richardson/New England Boating)

The fishing pier and rocky shoreline at Fort Taber Park provides plenty of access for anglers to the mouth of New Bedford Harbor, where stripers and tautog start running in spring. You can also launch from the nearby East Rodney French Boulevard boat ramp to reach excellent fishing spots like Great Ledge just offshore.

Before you go fishing in New Bedford Harbor, take a glance at the EPA’s fish consumption rules for fish and shellfish caught in the harbor. Because scup, tautog, and fluke are bottom feeders, they’re susceptible to toxic PCB pollution that lingers in the bottom of New Bedford Harbor, so the EPA does not recommend eating them.

5. West Island (Fairhaven)
   For spring tautog, West Island is the place to be! These fish favor rocky bottoms and shores like those found here in Fairhaven. From land, you can cast a line from the West Island causeway or try surfcasting from the town beach. Boats can launch from Hoppy’s Landing to anchor off the island and fish its rocky ledges.
6. Ned’s Point (Mattapoisett)
   Enjoy the view of Ned’s Point Light while fishing the waters of Mattapoisett Harbor from this scenic spot. Stripers usually arrive here in early May, and there’s plenty of shoreline access to try and catch one. Nearby Angelica Point is another place to look for stripers starting in May. To fish offshore, launch from the boat ramp at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf.
7. Weweantic River (Wareham)
   The Weweantic River has been a popular fishing destination for years, and with good reason. Early in the season, you can expect to find schoolies that provide fun fishing, if not record sizes. Bluefish, which generally arrive in late May, and scup may also be caught here. Plus, access is easy: fish from the bridge and rocks on Route 6, or launch a boat from the state ramp at the I-195 East rest area.
8. Wareham River Sportfishing Pier (Wareham)
   Near The Narrows in Wareham, the public fishing pier at Besse Park provides excellent access for anglers to the Wareham River. In spring, look for schoolies and bottom-feeding tautog here. If you prefer to explore the Wareham River by boat, you can launch just across the river at Tempest Knob.
9. Cape Cod Canal (Bourne)
   a man fishes from the shore of Cape Cod Canal next to the railroad bridge in Bourne
   The shores of the Cape Cod Canal are a mecca for local anglers trying to catch a striper in spring.

The shores of the Cape Cod Canal are a mecca for local anglers trying to catch a striper in spring. There’s plenty of access and space here – just park at any of the recreation areas along the canal and find a spot on the rocks to cast a line. In addition to stripers, you’ll also find tautog, bluefish, fluke, and scup, plus many other unique species that pass through.

The Herring Run Recreation Area is an especially popular place to fish along the Cape Cod Canal. River herring gather here in spring to migrate up the fish ladder on their spawning runs, which attracts large numbers of stripers – and eager fishermen.

10. Old Silver Beach (Falmouth)
    In the summer, Old Silver Beach is popular for swimming. But in spring, before the water warms enough for beachgoers to gather, it’s also the spot in Falmouth to go surfcasting for stripers. There’s a tidal creek just behind the beach where lots of herring migrate in spring, and stripers of all sizes (and maybe a few bluefish) follow them to catch their next meal. Don a pair of waders and walk out to the sandbars to cast in the surf.
11. Quicks Hole (Gosnold)
    Quicks Hole is a narrow strait between Nashawena and Pasque islands in the Elizabeth Islands chain – and it’s also a major destination for anglers in Buzzards Bay. Swift currents sweep small fish through this passage between the Bay and Vineyard Sound as the tide moves in and out. This funnel effect attracts stripers, tautog, and blues starting in spring.
12. Sow & Pigs Reef (Gosnold)
    Like Quicks Hole, you’ll need a boat to reach Sow & Pigs Reef, but this famous striper spot in the Elizabeth Islands is worth the trip. (It’s so good, we named a beer after it!) Whether you’re coming from nearby Cuttyhunk or all the way across the Bay in Westport, this reef provides excellent fishing for those willing to navigate its rocks and riptide. Although it’s known for striped bass, you can also catch tautog here.

Author: mkmcst

Nockedup Massachusetts Outdoors extends a warm welcome to all visitors. Experience the beauty and adventure that the great outdoors of Massachusetts has to offer. Join us in exploring the diverse landscapes and activities available in this vibrant region.