Ellis Pond near Buzzards Bay: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Ellis Pond sits in Barnstable County, out in Massachusetts. The surroundings are farm and woodlot. Nearest town is Buzzards Bay, 1.9 miles off. Beyond it, Bourne at 2 miles and White Island Shores at 2.7 miles. Others worth noting: Nightingale Pond after 1.2 miles, Mare Pond within 1.2 miles, Little Sandy Pond after 1.9 miles, Sand Pond within 2.4 miles and Black Pond after 2.4 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Ellis Pond

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Being tidal, the water moves twice a day, and the fishing moves with it. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Barnstable County include striped bass, alewife, tessellated darter and blueback herring. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Ellis Pond a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 29°F in January to roughly 71°F in July. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. It holds true on Ellis Pond more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Old Field Pond Preserve runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Nightingale Pond sits 1.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Ellis Pond if anything is unclear.