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Fisheries Information

Coldwater Fish Resources (CFR)

For nearly a decade, the Division has been involved in identifying waters considered Coldwater Fishery Resources (CFR). Identification of CFRs is based on fish samples collected annually by staff biologists and technicians. The identified CFRs are organized geographically by watershed and the information is updated annually. Currently (2011) there are nearly 900 streams identified statewide.

The CFR lists are useful tools for highlighting environmentally sensitive areas. Conservation commissions, planning commissions, land trusts, consultants and town open space committees may find this information useful for conservation planning.

Note: These lists are not definitive as new streams are sampled and evaluated yearly. For any decisions involving water quality in CFRs or projects (i.e., environmental review, etc.) affecting CFRs, please contact Richard Hartley at Richard.Hartley@state.ma.us with coordinates or location description, stream name, town, and a brief reason for your inquiry.

What is a CFR?

A CFR is defined as a water that meets at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Brook, brown or rainbow trout reproduction has been determined;
  2. Slimy sculpin, longnose sucker, or lake chub are present;
  3. The water is part of the Atlantic salmon restoration effort or is stocked with Atlantic salmon fry or parr.

Any water not identified as a CFR may be:

  • Warmwater fisheries habitat;
  • Undetermined;
  • Not yet sampled by the Division.