Some fish are permanent residents, and others visit only to feed or spawn. There are several kinds of fish that inhabit the reaches of the North River and its many tributaries, everything from hornpout (a nickname for catfish) to striped bass. Anadromous fish like herring live part of their lives at sea, then migrate up river to spawn in fresh water. On the other hand, catadromous fish such as the American eel breed out at sea, and the young travel up the river to feed and grow. Near the mouth of the North River, at "The Spit", several saltwater fish species can be found, especially at high tide A list of these commonly seen species will soon to be posted on this webpage.

Striped Bass

The anadromous and catadromous fish that visit the North and South Rivers and their tributaries depend upon free-flowing waters for their habitat and livelihoods. Every spring, thousands of these fish attempt to make their way upstream in our watershed. From as early as 1640, their passage has been blocked by numerous dams, culverts, and other obstructions that prevent them from reaching their destination.

The NSRWA has been working with multiple project partners to help restore anadromous fish passage at various sites in our watershed, such as Third Herring Brook. To learn more about these efforts, please click here.

The MA Department of Marine Fisheries publishes a printable guide to saltwater fish in Massachusetts.

American Shad