Striped Bass is an anadromous species that supports substantial recreational fishing in the Connecticut River downstream of the Holyoke Dam; commercial fishing, however, is not permitted near the dam. This species is native to Atlantic coastal waters from the Maritimes to the southeastern United States.
Major spawning areas include the Hudson River and tributaries to Chesapeake Bay, however, spawning has not been documented in the Connecticut River. Striped bass is a major sport species throughout most of its range and was once of commercial importance until downward population trends forced a moratorium on commercial fishing for striped bass.
Adult striped bass in freshwater habitats feed largely on other fish, and have been shown to feed on river herring, American shad, and American eel. The recent declines in Connecticut River populations of these species may be in part due to the resurgence of the Atlantic coast striped bass population. Striped bass first appeared in the fish lift at the Project 1979.
Fun Facts
- Striped bass can live up to 40 years and can weigh up to 100 pounds. The Massachusetts record is 73 pounds although catch's over 50 pounds are rare.
- Most feeding takes place at night and striped bass will eat most anything including shad, herring, salmon smolts, perch, smelt, lobsters, crabs, soft clams, and squid.