CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Woods Hole, MA Daily Water Report — August 27, 2026

The day’s highest suitability belongs to diving, which earns an 8.8 out of 10, matching the exceptional scores we saw from August 22 through 26. The water temperature sits at 22.1 degrees, a full degree above the long-term average, and the representative southeast wind at 10 knots is the strongest it has been in nearly a week. That wind puts a ceiling on some of the quieter pursuits. For divers, the numbers work in your favor: modest wave heights near half a meter and a southerly swell that does not introduce much chop at depth. Expect the calmest conditions around six in the morning, when wave heights bottom out at 0.32 meters. That sunrise slot also aligns with the minor solunar period starting at 4:30, and with dawn breaking at 4:35, you have a tidy window to get in the water as light comes up. Sailors also have a good day ahead, with the score coming in at 8 out of 10. The breeze is steady and useable, representative at 10 knots with gusts to 15—enough to keep you moving without overwhelming the boat. The overcast sky will hold temperatures down through the afternoon, which is a comfort on the water. The tradeoff comes for paddlers and powerboaters. Kayaking scores only a 4.6, down sharply from scores above 6 earlier in the week—the wind and the ocean current running east-northeast at 2.6 meters per second will make for a choppy and tiring outing, especially in exposed areas. Boating earns a 5.8, a full point and a half lower than yesterday, as those gusts and the steep 3.75-second wave period create a bumpy ride for smaller craft. Surfing sits at a middling 5.4, held back by the short-period southwesterly swell and the onshore wind. Fishing rates a 6.9, an improvement over yesterday’s 7.2 only because the solunar timing is more favorable—both major periods land late morning and late evening, and the falling barometer ahead of any change can sometimes sharpen the bite. The chlorophyll reading of 2.59 milligrams per cubic meter is marked as high, which suggests the water column is rich in nutrients, though we cannot infer baitfish activity from that number alone. Looking ahead, Thursday keeps similar wave heights and a lighter peak wind near 9 knots, with a slight chance of rain. Friday brings a cooler airmass with lows around 16 degrees and a brief bump in wind to 12 knots. By Saturday, waves may push toward 0.8 meters as a new swell arrives, before settling again Sunday and Monday. If you want the cleanest water and the best visibility this week, get your dive in early Thursday before the breeze picks up again.