Cliff Pond
Massachusetts · Barnstable
- 192 acres mapped (USGS NHD)
- 4.3 km shoreline
- County: Barnstable
- Shoreline outline: USGS NHD
- Massachusetts freshwater fishing (MassWildlife)
The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.
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Overview
Cliff Pond gets more trout than any other water on Cape Cod, including all four kinds MassWildlife hatcheries raise. The 206-acre kettle pond is named for the steep cliffs along parts of its shore. It averages 33 feet deep and reaches 96, with remarkable clarity, often 25 feet. The bottom is sand, muddy in the depths, with very few weeds. All 2.6 miles of shoreline are undeveloped and protected inside Nickerson State Park.
Fishing
Cold, oxygen-rich water lasts all year, so trout hold over from season to season. Holdover rainbows and brookies regularly top 2-3 pounds, and browns over 5 pounds aren't unusual. There are some decent bass too. Award fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout.
Species
MassWildlife surveys found largemouth and smallmouth bass; yellow perch; brown bullhead; and alewife, American eel, banded killifish and rainbow smelt. Trout are stocked every spring and fall.
Techniques
In summer and early fall, trout sit 30-40 feet down; otherwise they may turn up shallow or deep. Trolling works well: try smelt-pattern streamers, or slim spoons and small spinners.
Regulations
MassWildlife freshwater regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. Check local town or DCR rules for access fees and restrictions.
Licensing
A Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older.
Access
Both launches are inside Nickerson State Park, off Route 6A in Brewster:
- **Nook Road (west shore):** concrete-pad ramp and fisherman's landing for trailers, parking for about 10 rigs.
- **Cliff Pond Beach, Flax Pond Road (east shore):** shallow cartop launch, parking for about 20.
DCR trails reach the whole shoreline, and you can wade the shallows. Motors are limited to 10 hp. Contact DCR at Nickerson State Park about fees and rules.
Activities
Nickerson State Park trails circle the pond.
Water facts
206 acres; average depth 33 ft; max 96 ft; clarity often 25 ft; 2.6 miles of shoreline; 10 hp limit.
Stocking history
| Species | Qty | Size | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout | 09-29-2026 |
Nearby waters
- Little Cliff Pond · 0.8 km (MA)
- Flax Pond · 1 km (MA)
- Baker Pond · 1.9 km (MA)
- Crystal Lake · 3.8 km (MA)
- Sheep Pond · 4.4 km (MA)
- Long Pond · 5.2 km (MA)
More in Barnstable
- Ashumet Pond (MA)
- Baker Pond (MA)
- Crystal Lake (MA)
- Flax Pond (MA)
- Goose Pond (MA)
- Grews Pond (MA)
MassWildlife (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)