Artificial Lure here with your November 16th Cape Cod Canal fishing report. Here’s your canal rundown, local-style, so let’s get right to it.

Sunrise occurred around 6:56 am with sunset at 5:59 pm. The Canal tides today are as follows: low tide hit in the early morning, and your next high is coming up at 8:00 am, topping out at about 7.6 feet, then slacking off to a low at 1:58 pm, and back up for an evening high at 8:19 pm. We’re on a moderate 60 tidal coefficient—means a little current, but not max flow.

Weather this morning is crisp—air is about 44°F climbing to a high of 46°, with lows near 39°F. There’s a light breeze out of the northeast, and skies are a blend of clouds and sun. It’s comfortable enough if you layer up, but that wind will make fingerless gloves a smart idea unless you’re trying to feel every crank of your lure.

Now for the fishing: November in the Canal means the main bass run has tapered off, but there are still schoolie striped bass hanging around, especially in the east end near the Sandwich bulkhead and Herring Run. MyFishingCapeCod has recent updates from canal regulars confirming that most fish now are in the sub-keeper range, but you can still find a few larger surprise holdovers if you put in your time—particularly at first and last light.

There’s also been a notable uptick in Atlantic mackerel action. Reports from both locals and recent YouTube outings show mixed schools running the edges on outgoing tides. These macks have been hitting flashy metal jigs and Sabiki rigs—perfect if you’re looking to stock up on winter bait or just want some fast action. Bluefish are absent, but keep an eye out for late season tog (tautog) tight to the rocks if you can get down a green crab or asian crab bait.

Best lures right now: for stripers, go with small soft plastics like 5” paddletails in white or bunker, and slender metals—Acme Kastmasters and Deadly Dicks are top choices. For the mackerel, nothing beats a #1 or #2 Sabiki rig or small shiny tin. If you insist on bait, fresh-cut mack or sea worms will do the trick, but artificial presentations are matching the local forage and working just fine.

Hot spots: If you want stripers, focus on the stretch between the Railroad Bridge and the Herring Run, particularly the west-facing bank during the moving tide. Mackerel chasers are doing best at the east end near the Sandwich bulkhead and the phones poles at mid-canal, especially right at slack-to-outgoing tide this week.

Remember: canal etiquette means keep your cast straight and give each other space. The bike path gets slick, so use those cleats, and watch for the morning cold to make the rocks icy.

That wraps it up from the Cape Cod Canal today. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s daily report—don’t forget to subscribe for more updates and local know-how. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI