Fish ladder open to community to watch American Shad migrate upstream along the Westfield River

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A fish ladder will be open to the public to watch American Shad migrate upstream this Sunday.

The Westfield River Watershed Association (WRWA) expects hundreds of people to gather along the Westfield River. The event is held once every year at the former Southworth Paper Company on Front Street in West Springfield. On Sunday, May 19th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the public is invited to tour the river along the canal and dam with members of WRWA.

“This is the most popular of all our activities each year. These big fish battle the currents to get upstream all the way from Long Island Sound. It’s fascinating to watch them from several places along the canal,” said Mark Damon, president of the Westfield River Watershed Association (WRWA.) “Our on-site experts can explain and answer questions about the Connecticut River shad and their migration.”

This year, activities coincided with World Fish Migration Day to recognize the ecological, cultural, economic, and recreational importance of fish migration. Hundreds of large native fish will be hoisted over the dam for their annual migration. American Shad spend most of their lives in the ocean and return to freshwater to spawn for nearly ten years. They can reach 20 to 24 inches long.

“Another benefit of visiting the fish ladder is being able to identify the migrating shad in other waters of the area,” adds Ann Barone, another WRWA member. “I love feeling the connection over time when the people who lived in our watershed also waited for the shad to run upstream. For thousands of years, these fish were a major source of food for local people.”

The Westfield River Watershed Association sponsors this event every year in cooperation with A&D Hydro, Inc. and the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

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