Need info on the Oyster River launch

[SamRiley]

Thinking about giving it a try soon. Does anyone have directions, advice-n-such they would care to share?

Many thanks :)
Sam

[Ray]

Oyster River in Stage Harbor, Chatham?

[SamRiley]

That's the one

[Vic T]

Try not to launch at mid-tides when it gets crowded with clam diggers launching their boats. Limited parking during those times as well. Best to have 2 people as the "dock" is marginal and hard to maneuver your boat and lines there all alone.

[Ray]

I heard the same from a guy I work with who launches there. Kind of tight, busy at times, not a ton of water.

In other words, your typical launch ;)

Good proximity to fast fish waters though --127-3-

[assinippi]

If you get there after 6 am be prepared to walk. There is plenty of parking on the road but it stretches back to route 28, and on weekends by 8am you often have to park/walk back up to 1/4 mile plus from the ramp. However, exercise is good for you.

Even at low tide the ramp is quite good. Biggest issues are docking and numbber of boats using the ramp, which have already been covered.

Wynchmere Harbor in Harwich is a good alternative if you want to park within 3 minutes of your launch. It is about the same running time to the tip of Monomoy. It is also a lot easier to navigate to if there is fog/darkness and low water. The Serpentine going of Stage Harbor out to Bearse is very difficult to navigate in the fog/dark. The Stage Harbor/Serpentine are also more likely to be fogged in than Wynchmere. And fog is very likely at some point in the day, if not all day, at this time of year.

[SamRiley]

Great info. Thanks for the speedy reply :)

[Bob Parsons]

Sam ever since they made the Stage Harbor ramp town sticker only I've use that ramp a number of times. During the week parking is not bad along the road. Certainly gets busier if it is clam launch time. I seem to avoid busy times and have no issues with ramp vs dock. Weekends I avoid. Get there early if you go on a weekend.

[Ray]

What about that ramp in Harwichport we use? Sure it's a bit of a longer run, but has plenty of parking and good access.