Cape Cod fishing report for the week of October 22, 2026. The fall striper run is building in the canal, and the last false albacore are still hanging around the elbow for anglers who keep an eye out.
What’s Hitting
Stripers are in the Cape Cod Canal and along the outer beaches, bluefish are on the flats and in the surf, and a few false albacore are still showing around the elbow and Cape Cod Bay. Tautog are on the rocks.
Looking ahead, the canal should keep improving through the rest of October as bait pushes through and nights cool.
Where to Find Them
Fish the canal on the east tide for stripers, working the edges near the Sagamore and Bourne bridges. Work the outer beaches and shoals for blues and bass, and look for albacore around the elbow.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon building toward full, tides are strengthening, which means stronger canal current. The east tide is the key window, and early morning and dusk are best. Check a current tide chart for the canal.
Tackle & Tactics
Bucktails, soft plastics and swimming plugs in the canal, and Hopkins-style metals for albacore. Live eels and sandworms fit too.
Cast up-current and let the lure swing naturally through the eddies.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Scusset Beach State Reservation, Bourne Recreation Area and Sandwich Marina. Check current Massachusetts regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, as striper rules are specific.
This Week’s Tip
Read the canal current. Fish the edges of the eddies and work lures with the flow.
More Cape Cod Resources
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