Coldwater Fish Resources (CFR)

A project to identify waters that the Division has designated to be Coldwater Fishery Resources was initiated in 2001. This project has been ongoing and the CFR list is updated based on fish samples collected each year. There are nearly 600 sections of streams identified statewide at this time. The list of CFRs is useful as a tool highlighting environmentally sensitive areas. It is not yet the definitive list as many more streams have yet to be sampled and evaluated.

MassWildlife has compiled a list of the waters known to have coldwater fisheries resources (CFRs). These waters are listed geographically by watershed. Conservation commissions, consultants and town open space committees may find this information useful for conservation planning.

What is a CFR?

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

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

Any water not listed may be either

warmwater fisheries habitat
undetermined
not yet sampled by the Division.

MassWildlife should be contacted before decisions concerning water quality are made.