Anadromous Fish in Massachusetts

Fishways In Massachusetts

There are two fishways on the main stem of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, a fishlift in Holyoke and a series of fishladders in Turners Falls. Division personnel staff these facilities during the spring fish passage season, generally from mid-April to early July. Counts will be updated as frequently as possible throughout the season. Visitors are welcome at both fishways.

Holyoke - Early May - Late June
Turner's Falls - Mid-May - Late June
Wednesdays through Sundays 9am - 5pm

Contact Northfield Mt Recreation & Environment Center (413) 659-3714
School & Other Groups Welcome

A new fishway was constructed in the fall of 1995 on the Westfield River in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The Rexam-DSI, Inc. fishladder allows upstream passage of anadromous and resident fish to over fourteen miles of river. Downstream bypass around the hydroelectric generators has also been built for Atlantic salmon smolts, American shad and blueback herring. This is a major step forward for the restoration of anadromous fish in the Westfield River.

This facility is not open to the public.

Fishways on the Merrimack River can be found in Lawrence and Lowell. For tours of the fishways contact:
Consolidated Hydro Inc.
(978) 681-1900 x 1218

For tours of the historic Lowell canal area contact:
National Park Service
(978) 459-1000

Fish counts are available on the "Fish Phone" (413) 548-9628. The "Fish Phone" counts are updated every weekday.

Date Last Update: March 30, 2001

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