Activities on Cape Cod’s Bass River

Recreational activities are aplenty on Bass River, the largest river on Cape Cod. On any given day in the summer, you’re sure to see people boating and fishing up and down the river, or using it as an easy entry to the Atlantic Ocean by traveling south through the waterway.

The river was, at one time, considered as the location of a canal connecting Nantucket Sound to Cape Cod Bay, but local officials ultimately scrapped these plans. As a result, the river runs from Nantucket Sound in the south to Kellys Bay and Follins Pond in the north, with parking and entry points found all along its banks.

The river also acts as an unofficial border between Yarmouth and Dennis, as you can enter the water on either side before heading out to sea or exploring the river in search of locations for fishing, boating, and swimming.

After moving to Cape Cod, you’ll surely want to get out there and experience Bass River at some point, so make sure you have a boat at your disposal and make the most of this iconic waterway through the center of the Cape.

Do Some Bass River Fishing

All locals know that Bass River is home to some of the best fishing anywhere on Cape Cod. Some of these fishing spots are well-known, while others are secrets that lucky locals keep from absolutely everyone. You'll see the most action where the river empties into the ocean, but there are plenty of other locations to catch the big one. There's something special about getting out there on the river early in the morning and reeling in a bluefish, fluke, sea bass, or striped bass for dinner and you'll have that opportunity after making a move to the Mid Cape.

Even if you don’t have a boat, there’s a fishing pier at Smugglers Beach where you can drop a line in the water. There are fishing charters available along the river, as well, which will take you to some of the best fishing spots along the route or, if you wish, out to the open water of the ocean.

It's a good idea to learn the rules before heading out on the water. For starters, grab yourself a recreational saltwater fishing permit. These permits are available online and only cost $10, but will save you from a fine. Those over the age of 60 can get a free permit, while anyone under 16 doesn't require a permit.

There are also fishing seasons, size limits, and possession limits that you should be aware of when fishing on Bass River. For bluefish, you can only possess ten fish at any given time, but there is no limit on size and its fishing season is year round. In 2018, fluke season runs from May 23 - October 9 and each fish must be at least 17 inches long. You can only catch five fluke at a time. Sea bass season runs from May 19 until September 12, with five fish and 15-inch limits, while striped bass must be at least 28 inches and you're only permitted to catch one. You can catch striped bass all year, however.

Boating on Bass River

Boating on Bass River can encompass multiple things, depending on the vessel you have available and your personal preferences. For some, nothing beats taking a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard on the river. Paddling is a quiet and peaceful way to go because you'll have nothing but the birds and fish around you for stretches of your journey.

You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the marina near Bass River Park in Dennis, while powerboat rentals are available at the Bass River Yacht Club in South Yarmouth. Boating tours are also available along the river if you’re not comfortable operating a boat just yet. There are boat launches located up and down the river, including at Smugglers Beach on the ocean side,

Note that there are speed restrictions in effect when operating a powerboat on the river. For example, you must stay at headway speed (the slowest your boat can travel, or 6 MPH) in most parts of the river and create no wake. The only areas where you can go faster are on Follins Pond and between buoy #30 and buoy #33 on the river. These are also the only areas where water-skiing in permitted.

These regulations are in place to ensure that Bass River is a safe place to fish and paddle for people of all ages by prohibiting boaters from driving too fast in the narrower, busier parts of the waterway.

Gathering Shellfish on Bass River

You don't have to hit up a seafood restaurant for fresh shellfish while on Cape Cod because heading to Bass River offers the same result. There's no better way to finish a day spent on the river than by digging into some clams, scallops, oysters, or quahogs you've gathered with your own hands just hours before.

The best time to go shellfishing is at low tide, and you'll want to have the right permits before you begin. In Dennis, a year-long license costs $20 for a town resident and $65 for anyone who lives elsewhere on the Cape. Getting a license in Yarmouth costs $30 for a resident and $80 for a nonresident. Discounted rates are available for those over the age of 75.

Remember that you’re most likely to find clams at the mouth of the river where it runs into Nantucket Sound. You’ll probably have to wade into some sand and mud, as well, so bring the necessary tools if you’re serious about gathering some shellfish.

Swimming Near or On Bass River

It wouldn’t be summer on Cape Cod without doing some swimming and Bass River has you covered in this regard. Bass River Beach, which is called Smugglers Beach by locals, is on the South Yarmouth side at the mouth of the river and is a great place to get in the water. The beach has calm surf, a snack bar, and lifeguards on duty, providing everything you'll need for a day near the ocean. A parking sticker is required if you drive to the beach. You can also swim along the river at Windmill Beach, which is just off River Street.

On the Dennis side of the river, you'll find West Dennis Beach and Davis Beach. West Dennis Beach is on the ocean and features a large parking area and washrooms. The beach is very long, making it easy to find a private spot to relax. Davis Beach is on the river, and it's a bit of a walk to the water, especially at high tide.

No matter where you travel along Bass River, there is sure to be a Cape Cod beach nearby, but remember that some waterfront areas are private property.

Planning Your Day on Bass River

Soon after buying a home on Cape Cod, you’ll learn that Bass River is one of the major recreational veins throughout the area, particularly for those living in Yarmouth and Dennis. This river provides direct access to the ocean and a large pond, giving you the chance to spend your day however you wish once you put your boat in the water.

Docking your boat on the river provides you with the best of both worlds, since you can stay in the sheltered waters of the river, head to the pond for some watersports, or make the trek into the ocean for some deep sea fishing. The choice is up to you, and once you live on the Cape, you can do something different every time you venture out.

Check out some of the real estate listings in the areas around Bass River, including Harwich and West Yarmouth, which are just miles away, to see if this is the right location for you to settle down as part of the Cape Cod family.