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Basic facts about Fallfish: lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status.
HABITAT DESCRIPTION: In Massachusetts, Fallfish are most often found in rivers and streams with rock and gravel substrates, but some populations occur in larger ponds and reservoirs. Adults migrate to areas with rock and gravel substrate in the spring.
Identification: Fallfish are one of the largest minnows native to North America. The body is moderately compressed with an olive to golden-brown color above the lateral line with a dark stripe along the back. The dorsal scales are darkly outlined on adults.
Fallfish are found in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where they inhabit clear streams, lakes, and ponds. They predominantly prefer swift currents, however, they can also be found in well oxygenated pools. As their name suggests they are often found at the base of waterfalls.
A guide to freshwater fish species living in Massachusetts. Includes introduced and stocked species.
Each fall, MassWildlife stocks 60-70 thousand trout in waterbodies across Massachusetts. Fall stocking, when combined with trout stocked in the spring, provides plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy a day on the water.
Across all ages, pools are the preferred habitat. Fallfish live and forage in areas of the watershed that are around 30-50 cm deep. Fallfish in northern parts of their geographic ranges also live in lentic habits (lakes), while those in the south are restricted to lotic habitats.
