Angler Surveys for Migratory Fish Research on the Connecticut River

Corina and Noah, Angler Survey Technicians with the Connecticut River Conservancy.

Warming waters and increased river discharge from the spring freshet herald the beginning of spawning runs for the native anadromous fish in the Connecticut River, including shad, river herring (alewife and bluebacks), sea lamprey, shortnose sturgeon, and striped bass.

There may still be snow on the ground in NH and VT when herring start moving into the tidal portion of the river in CT, on their way to spawning grounds. But the steady greening of the landscape as you drive south mirrors the increase in activity in, and on, the water. Fish passage facilities are getting inspected and ready for opening to assist fish on their journey around the barriers we humans have put in the river. As of the last week in April, fishways all the way to Vernon VT were open, awaiting the arrival of the first fishy travelers on their upstream journey, and scientists and managers in all states are getting out on the water to assess the status of fish populations. 

Understanding the dynamics of how many fish, what species, and the timing of when migratory fish are showing up at different locations within the watershed helps resource agencies make better-informed decisions when considering what changes need to be made to meet population recovery goals set by species management plans. Not all factors affecting migratory fish populations are within our control, but some are, and good data on what’s happening currently and over longer timescales helps further restoration efforts. 

CRC Angler Survey Technicians are contributing to this data collection effort as we speak.

This spring, four technicians are once again out at locations in the Holyoke/Chicopee MA and Windsor/Enfield CT areas asking anglers about what, why, and how they’re fishing.

Angler surveys are an important tool to understand recreational fishing pressures by allowing for estimates of catch and harvest rates, fishing effort, and angler preferences for specific fish species. These data can help evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory and management strategies and provide insight into fish population trends. Angler surveys also help illuminate the contribution of recreational fishing efforts to local and regional economies, as well as to understanding whether public use needs and preferences are being met. 

CRC’s angler surveys take place from April through June. CRC shares the collected data with members of the Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative who will analyze the data gathered over multiple years to get a more comprehensive picture of what people are fishing for, who is using the river, and how it is being used.

The surveys are anonymous by design, but because CRC’s Angler Survey Techs visit the same spots over and over, they often meet folks who are out fishing regularly and form a connection around a shared interest in fish and fishing. We’re all excited to talk about fish! Forming a rapport with community members as the Techs visit with anglers also helps build trust in how this work will ultimately support healthy rivers and benefit both fish and fisherfolk, leading to better understanding and participation. Forming relationships and collecting data to support our River, that's exactly the outcome we aim for when conducting long-term collaborative science.

So, if you’re out there fishing and see one of our awesome survey techs in their bright yellow vest, give them a friendly hello and tell them what you’ve been up to on the river. We’re grateful for their contributions this spring; one part of the many data gathering efforts to help continue migratory fish population restoration efforts in the Connecticut River. 

Mac and Luis, Angler Survey Technicians with the Connecticut River Conservancy.