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Bass River

Boat Ramps
2
Access Points
2
Species
4

Bass River stands as Cape Cod's largest tidal river, flowing through the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth in Barnstable County before emptying into Nantucket Sound. This productive estuary system historically supported abundant fish populations, with its headwaters once serving as prime spawning grounds for multiple species. The river features a mix of fishing environments including the main river channel, protected coves, and the dynamic inlet area where it meets Nantucket Sound. Access to both shore and boat fishing makes this a versatile destination for anglers of all skill levels.

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Bass River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

White Perch

White Perch

Morone americana

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Bass River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Riverview Bait and Tackle

Riverview Bait and Tackle

Shop

Know where you can legally fish on Bass River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Massachusetts licenses and regulations

Massachusetts Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Massachusetts Fishing License

If you are 15 years of age or older, you need a license to fish. Licenses are FREE for Massachusetts residents 15-17 years of age, and those 70 and over. You can get your license online using MassFishHunt. You must carry your license with you when fishing, either as a paper copy or on your smartphone. If asked, anglers have to display a true, complete, and legible image of a valid license. Licenses expire each year on Dec. 31. You can renew your license online at MassFishHunt or print a duplicate copy if you’ve lost it.

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Massachusetts Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Massachusetts Stream Access Laws

Massachusetts protects the public right to freely pass over all waters in the state, regardless of navigability. The rights of passage include recreation. Navigable waters are those subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, are navigable in fact or simply have the capacity for navigation, commercial or recreational.

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Take Bass River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Bass River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Bass River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Bass River and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

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