If fishing is on your mind during your Cape Cod vacation, Chatham should be high on your list of places to book a vacation rental. This community has dozens of freshwater and saltwater options, so no matter the type of angling you’re looking to do, Chatham has something for you.

It makes sense that Chatham, MA, would have some of the Cape’s best fishing because it offers direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, Nantucket Sound, Pleasant Bay, multiple rivers, and over 25 kettle ponds, giving you all kinds of options as you plan your fishing adventure.

One thing for sure is that you’ll never run out of places to go fishing in Chatham, Massachusetts. Here’s a look at some ways you can catch a few fish on your next vacation.

Freshwater Fishing Spots

Chatham’s kettle ponds are the easiest way to get on the water because you can fish from a small boat or kayak without much in the way of additional gear. There are dozens of ponds in the town, although only a few of them are easily accessible.

Chatham’s largest ponds are White Pond and Goose Pond, both of which have a landing you can access when carrying your boat to the water. Schoolhouse Pond is another popular fishing spot with a beach, parking lot, and small boat launch. It’s a little hidden but worth the effort because the pond’s east side never gets overly busy.

The most accessible freshwater body to check out during your travels is Mill Pond. While Mill Pond itself doesn’t have much public access, there’s a dinghy dock on the attached Little Mill Pond. You can use the small boat ramp and dock to launch your boat if you want to explore any nearby waterways and do some fishing.

Mill Pond is also accessible via the Mitchell River Bridge. There’s a small ramp near the bride you can use to launch your boat before continuing north or south. Alternatively, you can fish directly from the Mitchell River Bridge if you want to spend your day relaxing with a rod in your hand. However, you’ll have to remember that this is a drawbridge, so you must stay within the designated fishing areas to keep yourself safe.

Trout and bass are plentiful in Chatham’s freshwater ponds, so they’re what you’re most likely to catch. You’ll need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, too, which costs $33 for Massachusetts residents and $43 for nonresidents in 2024.

Saltwater Fishing in Chatham, MA

Freshwater fishing is great, but heading into the ocean is always an option if you want to catch something a little larger or are looking for some adventure. Unless you have significant deep-sea fishing experience, though, you’ll want to take a charter because the waters can get rough, and you won’t know the best spots to look for your desired catch. Fortunately, Chatham has you covered.

Ryder’s Cove in North Chatham is home to Monomoy Sportfishing, a company operating a small boat that will take you off the shores of Monomoy Island in search of bluefish, bonito, black sea bass, fluke, striped bass, and false albacore. The boat includes your tackle and gear, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own or buying some on the Cape.

Abdow’s Magic Fishing Charters departs from the Chatham Fish Pier and will take you into the Atlantic in search of cod, haddock, bluefish, striped bass, bluefin tuna, and fluke.

Down East Charters leaves from Outermost Harbor and takes you into either the Atlantic Ocean or Nantucket Sound, depending on the season. The captains here are extremely knowledgeable and understand which fishing spots to visit during specific times of the year, making it more likely to catch something. Fish in these areas include bluefin tuna, stripers, sea bass, bluefish, bonito, and Spanish macs, depending on the time of year.

You don’t need a fishing permit if you hire a charter boat, either, giving you one less worry. However, if you rent a vessel and head out yourself, a $10 saltwater fishing permit is mandatory.

Grab Your Gear

While your gear is part of the package when you book a charter, you might need to grab some tackle if you fish in a freshwater pond or from the bridge. Luckily, you can visit a few places in Chatham to get suited up.

Chatham Bait & Tackle is a small shop on Ryder’s Cove with all the gear you’ll need for a day on the water. You can grab rods, bait, line, and everything else you need in a hurry, and the owner has a tremendous amount of local fishing knowledge if you have any questions.

North Chatham Outfitters is a larger store with even more selection for your fishing trip. In addition, you can buy your fishing license or rent a kayak from this location, getting you on the water even faster.

Overall, Chatham, MA, is one of Cape Cod’s top fishing destinations. Book your Chatham vacation rental early to ensure you’re as close to the action as possible.