Directions to Shellfishing Areas

All directions begin at the Wellfleet Town Hall parking lot located on Main Street.

Summer Areas

INDIAN NECK

Indian Neck is the ONLY area open to recreational (non-commercial) shellfishing during the summer (June 1st to September 30th).  Additionally, recreational shellfishing is ONLY allowed on Wednesdays and Sundays.  The Indian Neck area extends from the breakwater to the jetty just south of the Burton Baker Landing (the second one).

Indian Neck has much to offer for any level of experience in shellfishing.  The area is regularly stocked with quahogs (mostly littlenecks, but also some cherrystones and chowders for those who prefer the larger sizes) and supports small populations of soft shell clams and oysters.

Please know that from October 1st through May 31st Indian Neck is stil open to recreational fishing. In this period of time  shellfishing is allowed 7 days a week.  10 quarts is still the limit. 

Directions to Indian Neck:

Turn left out of the Town Hall parking lot onto Main Street.  Follow this road all the way to the traffic light.  At the traffic light turn right onto Route 6.  Go 0.5 miles and turn right onto Cove Road.  Stay on this winding road until you reach the parking lot at the end.  Alternatively, park at Burton Baker Landing if spots are available or along the road just before the parking lot.

Fall, Winter and Spring Areas

CHIPMAN'S COVE

Chipman's Cove is best known for its large oyster habitat.  This area is open only for a short period of time, usually beginning in late autumn and ending in early spring.  Chipman's Cove is open the LAST Sunday in October until the Last day in April.

Directions to Chipman's Cove:

Turn left out of the Town Hall parking lot onto Main Street.  Follow this road all the way to the traffic light.  At the light, turn right onto Route 6.  Drive 0.5 miles and turn right onto Cove Road.  Drive a short distance and turn right on the third street, Old Pier Road.  Park along the side of the road, make sure you are considerate of private property and do not block the turn around at the landing.

AUDUBON SHELLFISHING AREA

The Audubon shellfishing area is a beautiful place to shellfish and  bird watch.  This area is open to recreational fishing from October 1st until May 31st.  

Directions to the Audubon shellfishing area:

Turn left out of the Town Hall parking lot onto Main Street.  Follow this road all the way to a traffic light.  At the light turn right onto Route 6.  Drive for approximately 3.5 miles.  Turn right onto Lieutenant Island Road.  Drive for about 1 mile.  Turn left onto a dirt road. There is a small parking area in the beginning and a turn around at the end of the dirt road.

LIEUTENANT ISLAND

Lieutenant Island is another area open for shellfishing in the off- season, October 1st to May 31st.  

IMPORTANT: Please beware of the high tides when traveling over to Lieutenant Island.  The road that brings you to the island is often covered with water during high tides.

Directions to Lieutenant Island:

Turn left out of the Town Hall parking lot onto Main Street.  Follow this road all the way to a traffic light.  At the light turn right onto Route 6.  Drive for approximately 3.5 miles.  Turn right onto Lieutenant Island Rd.  Drive about 1 mile and go over the wooden bridge.  Follow the long paved road and go straight up the dirt road.  At the point when you can turn right or left, turn left.  Within about 20 feet take your first right and then take the next immediate right.  A small dirt parking lot is located at the end of the way.

Other Areas of Interest (no shellfishing)

Wellfleet has a lot to offer to its residents and visitors.  There are a variety of activities people can experience throughout the town.  Here is a small list of places that may be of interest to the outdoors person.

GREAT ISLAND

Great Island has a long trail with spectacular vistas, 7 to 8 miles round trip, through woods, salt marsh, and dunes between Cape Cod Bay and Wellfleet Harbor; the Seashore's most difficult trail.  

Directions to Great Island:

Turn right out of the Town Hall parking lot.  Turn left onto Hollbrook Avenue.  Go about 50 feet and turn right onto Chequessett Neck Road.  Follow Chequessett Neck Road (bare left at fork) until you get to stop sign.  At stop sign turn right onto Kendrick Avenue.  Follow Kendrick Avenue until you see sign and parking lot for Great Island on your left.

Massachusetts Audubon Society

The Wellfleet Bay Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place to explore and discover.  The Wildlife Sanctuary is part of 27,000 acres of protected wildlife habitat.  There are exhibits and aquariums, a butterfly garden, 5 miles of hiking trails and many other activities designed for the nature lover.  For more information on programs, as well as membership, call (508) 349-2615 or check out their website at www.wellfleetbay.org

Directions to the Massachusetts Audubon Society:

Turn left out of the Town Hall parking lot onto Main Street.  Follow this road all the way to the traffic light.  At the light, turn right onto Route 6.  Continue on Route 6 (towards Eastham) for 4.7 miles.  The Audubon Society is on the right side of the road.