ILLUSTRATED MANUAL of MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHES by Paul S. Mugford Published by the MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION of FISHERIES A

Home , Creek chubsucker, Fallfish, Lake Cochituate, Lake Sabbatia, Otis Reservoir, Rough fish

ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHES

Paul S. Mugford

Published by the

MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

James M. Shepard, Director

FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

Harry C. Darling, Chairman

Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary

Martin H. Burns

Henry J. Colombo

Edward J. Tierney

-1969-

Publication No. 4064

Publication of this document approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent PREFACE

This manual was originally conceived as an aid to fisheries and other field personnel in the employ of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was intended to fulfill a need for a single reference that would enable one to identify any species of fish found or likely to be found in the fresh waters of Massachusetts. Although numerous reference works are currently available, not one of them includes the whole range of freshwater fish fauna in the state and identification is often difficult. Subsequent consideration has also

pointed out the possible values of such a manual to non-professionals such as students, naturalists, and especially anglers. Thus additional information has been added including useful tips on catching certain species, fisheries management objectives and policies and some fish conservation fundamentals.

A great deal of the material has been selected from biological surveys

by present and former professionals of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game. Among them are James W. Mullan, Lewis C. Schlotterbeck, Colton H.

Bridges, Richard H. Stroud, Britton C. McCabe, and Albert H. Swartz. Informa-

tion relating to species only recently reported was contributed by Matthew B.

Connolly, Jr. and Mr. Connolly also made many helpful suggestions. Overall supervision and advice was given by former Chief Aquatic Biologist, William A.

Tompkins. Louis H. Carufel, Jr., presently the Chief Aquatic Biologist,

reviewed the completed manuscript and offered substantial assistance in suggest-

ing improvements. Additional help was contributed by Philip B. Stanton, in-

structor in Biology, Framingham State College.

All line drawings are by the author and were composed from sketches and

illustrations in other texts, photographs, and from actual field specimens.

Particular commendation is due Mrs. Aline L. Charest of the Division of

Fisheries and Game for the typing of the manuscript. Massachusetts Director of Central Reproductions, Charles LeBuff, has again unselfishly offered ias talents and support in publishing this manual. The author and the Division of Fisheries and Game are most appreciative of his cooperation.

Finally, the author wishes to especially thank Director James M. Shepard,

Assistant Director Russell A. Cookingham and Superintendent Colton H. Bridges for their encouragement and approval of the compilation of this manual. Their high standards and professionalism, their constant and complete devotion to the administration of a progressive wildlife program, and their unswerving progress toward the attainment of new heights of achievement have been a continuing source of inspiration.

IV ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Introduction 1

Importance of Freshwater Angling in Massachusetts 3

Massachusetts Fishery Policy 3

The Resource 4

Fish Conservation Fundamentals 5

Waters Can Be Managed Like Farms 6

Soilbank Programs Are Not For Fish 7

Never Judge the Age of a Fish by Its Size 9

Trout Fishing is Mostly Manufactured 10

Nature Can Do It Better 10

Glossary of Technical Terms 12

Literature Examined for Source Material 15

Identifying Massachusetts Freshwater Fishes 20

The Artificial Keys 20

How to Use 90

Methods of Counting 21

Key to the Families of Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts 23

Rare Species and Possibles 124

Index to Scientific and Common Names 125 INTRODUCTION

Just what is a minnow?

Are eels fish? Do they have scales? Where do they spawn?

Haw many different species of fresh water fish are found in Massachusetts waters? How many are natives? How many introduced?

How old do fish become?

What species is a "kivver"?

Why do they raise trout in hatcheries?

What's the best way to tell a largemouth bass from a smallmouth?

Are horned pout, bullheads and catfishes one and the same?

Where are lake trout and walleyes found in Massachusetts?

How large do brook trout grow?

What is a redfin pickerel?

Which baits are best for black crappie?

Do you know the answers to these common questions? They are not unique questions. They, in fact, typify the natural curiosity of most fishermen and others interested in fish and other wild creatures. Many Massachusetts anglers probably cannot, with assurance, answer correctly more than a few of the above. Undoubtedly, most anglers would like to know about these things and about all the other fascinating topics relating to freshwater angling. Yet they are thwarted in not having readily available a convenient source of such information. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game has recognized this need. In order to assist the layman in identifying the fishes he catches or observes, and to advance some basic concepts of current fisheries management, this manual has been prepared.

Many of the more than seventy species illustrated will never be encountered. Yet they remain of great interest. A few others, not illustrated,

1 may be present in our waters and recognition of them as uncommon species is possible by proper application of the identification keys. Reportings

of such fish are of scientific importance. Many anglers have already contributed to research findings. Those who make frequent use of this digest

are, by this very act, becoming more knowledgeable and are helping fisheries scientists and managers to progress toward a management program that will

continue to improve the quality of our fishing (the aim of both laymen and

professionals).

Massachusetts already has some exciting fishing to offer. Records

compiled from its annual Massachusetts Freshwater Sportfishing Award Program

indicate that large numbers of trophy fish of many species are harvested

each year. It has been convincingly demonstrated that freshwater angling in

Massachusetts is at least the equal of that found in other states of our

region. As knowledge increases, there is no reason to doubt but that it will

get even better!

Through this digest, the first of its kind in Massachusetts, we of the

Division of Fisheries and Game invite you to improve your knowledge of our

fish fauna and its place in our fisheries program. At the same time, we be-

lieve the material presented will enhance your enjoyment of fishing.

2 IMPORTANCE OF FRESHWATER ANGLING IN MASSACHUSETTS

In our small state having a total population now exceeding five million, and a projected increase to over ten million in thirty-five years, space -- or rather, the lack of it, becomes important for merely living and working. It is of incalculable value for recreating. Unhappily, more than

3 of every 5 Massachusetts citizens are densely bunched into the eastern urbanized third of the state, a severe limitation to outdoor recreation.

Further intensification of such population densities can only lead to further shriveling of woodlands and fields. It would seem then, that ponds and streams may well be the salvation for many recreation-starved residents in the years ahead. Indeed, the latest appraisal by the Division of Fisheries and Game pegs Massachusetts freshwater anglers at about 750,000 including over one-half million unlicensed youngsters. By the year 2000, streams and ponded waters will be called upon to furnish fishing for a million and a half anglers. When one considers the increased leisure time, more disposable income, improved mobility and a more conservation-minded public, all of which are forecast, it is clear that in the foreseeable future, Massachusetts freshwater angling will assume even greater stature as an ideal form of outdoor recreation.

MASSACHUSETTS FISHERIES POLICY

In the most nearly democratic manner possible, the Division of Fisheries and Game has, for many years, followed a policy which has guided efforts so that objectives meet the needs of the majority of the public. In essence, the policy on fisheries states that efforts shall be aimed at providing the best possible fishing, for the largest number of people, over the longest period of time, at the lowest possible cost. Implementation of this policy

3 draws upon a vast accumulation of biological and sociological data. The policy must be rigid to the extent that it must consider the best course of action for the benefit of the majority. Minority-pleasing programs or short term bonanzas are thus rejected when they can be replaced with more lasting and universal plans. On the other hand, such a policy has built-in flexibi- lity inasmuch as new research findings, changes to the resource or the habitat, or other innovations, may antiquate existing methods and invite change.

For example, research was responsible for a determination of the minimal amounts of dissolved free oxygen and cold water necessary to sustain trout through the hot summer months. Lacking such research data, many states including Massachusetts, as recently as 1952 were stocking trout in ponds fail- ing to meet such requirements. Other research findings have recently permit- ted extension of open seasons, removal of bag limits, improvements in trout culture and successful introductions of exotic species.

In order to harvest the maximum benefits from our fishing waters in the form of sustained yields of rapidly growing fish and at reasonable costs, it will be necessary to support a progressive program of research and management led by professionals well-schooled in biological, fish cultural and sociological principles and free of political and special-interest interference.

THE RESOURCE

Massachusetts is indeed fortunate in having 157,588 acres of inland waters and an annual rainfall averaging nearly four feet. Inhabiting its waters is a standing crop of over 12 million pounds of fish. This is an expendable commodity in that, despite an annual mortality from fishing, dis- ease, predation, pollution and other natural causes that exact a toll of

4 over 6 million pounds, such annual losses are immediately and coincidentally being replaced by increased growth and weight of remaining fish or by re- cruitment of newly spawned fish -- or both. However, recreational angling usage of this resource is limited by inaccessibility of waters, public opi- nion, productivity and pollution. Nearly one half of all Massachusetts waters are unavailable for public fishing. Over 41,000 acres of private ponds are included, 20,000 acres of waters used as domestic water supplies, and over 11,000 acres of streams -- most of the latter due to private owner- ship. Some of the 73,000 acres now closed to angling may be added to the public fishery resources in the future by virtue of purchase, anti-pollution measures, permissive use of domestic water supplies and charitable donations by private land owners. There is the danger though, that such gains might be offset by losses due to additional posting, habitat destruction and water shortages resulting from increasing usage. The problem is one deserving the attention of all citizens and particularly of sportsmen and other conserva- tionists.

FISH CONSERVATION FUNDAMENTALS

One of the real problems of producing sport fishing is overcoming public opposition to accepted and proven fundamental concepts of modern fisheries management. Such opposition may be due to apathy, prejudice, ignorance and even occasional outright refusals to admit that one's awn tried and true concepts derived from a lifetime of fishing could be erroneous. It has been repeatedly noted that some individuals are quite willing to accept the judg- ment of a doctor, or an accountant, and they will unhesitatingly endorse the techniques of the artist and the methods of the farmer, but when it comes down to management of fisheries resources, then for some unexplainable reason

5 they will consider the professional doctrine inferior to their awn. Either that or they make no effort to understand basic truths and unwittingly per- form acts entirely contrary to good conservation standards.

It is with these thoughts in mind that some basic fundamentals that evolved from untiring research are stated here in the hope that more individuals may become familiar with current basic knowledge in fish conservation.

It is thankfully recognized too, that many citizen-sportsmen are fully cog- nizant of and receptive to the values of such knowledge. It should be under- stood that those concepts noted here merely skim the surface. More intensive reading is invited for those who care to delve deeper into this fascinating field. The Division of Fisheries and Game at Westboro may be consulted for suggested further reading material. These fundamentals are set forth with a reminder that there are exceptions to every rule and each concept may have certain limitations or qualifications. But in general, such concepts are completely relevant to Massachusetts conditions. To enumerate certain qualifications to these fundamentals would require considerable space, and it would merely be confusing to many.

Waters Can Be Managed Like Farms

Any water, (lake, pond, stream) is an aquatic "pasture". It has a specific fertility and its productivity can be measured by the quantity of

"livestock' or "crops" it can produce. Its capacity to produce fish is both limited by and proportional to its fertility. To plant additional fish in any water may be likened to overgrazing a pasture or over-sowing a field of corn. Too many livestock or too crowded a corn planting will result in ex- cessive competition which can only result in stunting and inferior production.

Conversely, a balancing of the crop or stock with the available land or water will promote healthful, vigorous growth and a bountiful harvest.

6 Most of our waters suffer from overcrowding with attendant poor growth.

A thinning of the fish results in improved growing conditions for those remaining and more fish of harvestable size. This should explain why additional stocking of fish in waters containing an existing population or the dumping of unused bait from the minnow pail is actually harmful because it introduces additional competition for the United food, space, and other necessities of life....already being utilized at capacity. Removal of all or part of existing fish populations however, creates virgin areas fully receptive to the sowing of a .new fish crop.

Soilbank Programs Are Not for Fish

Fish cannot be stockpiled. It is known that fish, like people, animals, or other wild creatures, do not live forever, do not in fact even have a guaranteed life expectancy. To throw back all small-sized fish does not in- sure survival and growth to a large size. Neither does closing of a pond to fishing result in accrual of great numbers of lunkers. Size of fish is more often a reflection of environment than of age.

It has been learned that in any pond, a great number of fish will die each year....whether they are captured by anglers or not. It is simply waste- ful to fail to harvest such fish. In Massachusetts, it is practically im- possible to "fish out" any pond containing a reproducing population. On the contrary, the prolific spawning capabilities of our fish annually produce more fish than are needed to maintain the status quo. "Protection" of abundant fish populations by closure to fishing or by return of harvested fish does not result in true stockpiling or guarantees of availability at some future date. Our problem in nearly every case remains one of too many fish... not too few.

7 Relationship of Age and Average Lengths (in inches) and Weights (in pounds) of Some Fishes from Surveyed Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs Computed at the End of Each Growing Season.

Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Bluegill Lg. 3.2 4.5 5.7 6.4 7.0 7.5 7.8 8.0 8.1 8.1 Wt. .12 .20 .25 .29 .31 .39 .43 .44

Pumpkinseed Lg. 2.7 3.6 4.1 5.2 5.6 6.2 6.6 7.4 Wt. .07 .10 .12 .18 .21 .26

Black Crappie Lg. 4.2 6.4 7.7 9.2 9.9 10.3 10.3 11.3 11.6 11.7 Wt. .16 .34 .45 .53 .61 .63 .81 .95 1.25

White Perch Lg. 4.3 6.0 8.0 8.8 9.6 10.2 10.6 10.8 11.1 11.8 12.6 Wt. .13 .26 .34 .47 .56 .60 .66 .75 .88 1.08

Yellow Perch Lg. 4.1 5.4 6.3 7.1 7.8 8.5 9.2 9.6 10.7 11.3 Wt. .07 .13 .19 .25 .31 .34 .50 .63

Largemouth Bass Lg. 4.9 8.3 11.9 13.8 15.2 16.6 17.7 19.1 20.0 20.7 20.9 21.9 Wt. .32 .81 1.26 1.75 2.34 2.85 4.85 6.10 6.07 6.33 6.56

Smallmouth Bass Lg. 4.0 7.4 9.7 12.1 14.3 15.8 16.6 17.5 18.8 19.1 20.4 20.8 Wt. .18 .41 .80 1.31 1.80 2.20 3.25 3.70 3.89 4.56 4.66

Chain Pickerel Lg. 6.8 10.3 13.4 15.2 17.0 18.5 20.4 21.4 21.7 24.8 Wt. .07 .25 .47 .68 1.02 1.25 1.68 2.00 2.14 4.46 * Rock Bass Lg. 2.2 3.5 5.1 6.4 7.1 7.3 9.2 10.3 Wt. .15 .26 .32 .53 .69

Lake Trout Lg. 4.5 8.4 13.9 19.1 22.6 24.6 25.8 26.3 27.7 29.5 Wt. .24 .89 2.60 4.48 5.86 6.61 7.22 8.29 10.13 * Brown Trout Lg. 5.0 9.7 16.4 20.5 23.1 26.4 27.4 29.9 31.3 Wt. .06 .37 1.94 4.01 5.16 7.20 9.38 11.90 13.96

Rainbow Trout Lg. 5.5 10.7 15.2 17.3 19.3 Wt. .07 .48 1.36 2.01 2.67

from Quabbin Reservoir

Table 1

8 Never Judge the Age of a Fish by Its Size

Size is not necessarily an indication of age. Neither is length at maturity as predictable as with people. Food and space are the vital factors in growth. Fish in ponds having reasonable numbers of fish of each species balanced with the fertility of the waters and with each other may enjoy rapid growth to desirable size. Or, a pond may be completely out of balance.

Typically, such a pond has vast numbers of smaller fish, each competing with his fellows for a limited food supply, and the growth of each inhibited by the meagre food and space available. The latter condition will produce few desirable-sized fish and is all too common in many Massachusetts waters lacking management.

At face value then, a small fish cannot, with certainty, be labelled a young fish, for under ideal conditions, a very young fish can be of creditable size. For example, some trout stocked in Massachusetts ponds where environment is optimum due to reclamation, have reached 15 inches only twelve months after being stocked as 3 inch fingerlings. At the other extreme, the white perch in Massachusetts waters, on the average, requires 3 years to reach a length of 8 inches and numerous instances are documented in which white perch required 7 years to reach only 4 inches!

Table 1 indicates the average length and average weight of common Massa- chusetts fishes at the end of each year of life. It should be remembered that these figures are averages based on large numbers of samples. Any one fish may depart radically from such average.

9 Trout Fishing is Mostly Manufactured

Massachusetts trout fishing is almost wholly dependent upon artificial rearing and stocking. It is known that only the brook trout is native to

Massachusetts. And although it is still capable of some limited natural reproduction in smaller headwater brooks, and although a small amount of brawn trout reproduction also occurs, such insignificant numbers of naturally-bred fish can satisfy probably less than five percent of Massachusetts fishermen.

Rearing and stocking programs are necessary then because first, our warm waters cannot long sustain the cold-water-loving trouts, and second, even in those waters that are sufficiently cold, clean, and well-oxygenated, suitable spawning requirements are rarely met. Thus, a continuation of trout fishing for the large numbers who want it and are willing to pay for it is perpetuated by a so-called, "put-and-take" stocking program.

Although the cost of raising trout to catchable size is high, it is widely accepted and in most cases, it is simply a choice between the put-and- take program or having no fishing at all. Most stream stocking satisfies only short term requirements of a few months. Stocking of trout in ponds pro- vides angling over extended periods, results in far greater numbers of large, carryover fish, and is often more economical, particularly in reclaimed ponds where inexpensive fingerlings may be used in stockings. The possibility of catching a large, trophy fish is itself an incentive that lures many Massa- chusetts anglers to trout ponds.

Nature Can Do It Better

Massachusetts warm water fishing is not dependent upon artificial rearing and stocking. Unlike trout, which do not effectively reproduce in Massachusetts waters, our warm water fish are prolific fish factories. A single adult bass

10 may produce from 10,000 to 25,000 eggs, a bluegill 10,000 to 50,000 eggs, a crappie 20,000 to 125,000 eggs, and a carp up to 2,000,000 eggs. Such enormous reproductive potential, once a given species is established in a given water, is obviously more than ample to perpetuate its kind up to the optimum carrying capacity of the water for that species. It is now recognized that in spite of past stockings of millions-upon-millions of warm water fish into our ponds, lakes, and streams, no improvement was realized in returns to the fisherman's creel and frequently, far poorer fishing has been the result. Farm fishpond investigations particularly, have pointed out the fallacy of such stockings.

However, stocking is warranted and practiced when introductions are made into waters in which the population has been removed or where new ponds have been created. This includes reclaimed ponds in which the resident fish population has been intentionally destroyed and those in which a fish kill has occured from winter oxygen deficiency, pollution, or other accidental causes.

The vacuum that has been created by any means may often be profitably filled via stocking of a desired species.

One survey on a pond of 150 acres, showed that the fry of four species

(largemouth bass, bluegill, rock bass and pumpkinseed) naturally spawned

in the pond, numbered over 500,000 per acre. The pond, however, would

support only a few hundred adult fish per acre.

11 GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS

Abundant Extremely plentiful.

Adipose Small fleshy, rayless fin an the back and just forward of tail.

Anadromous Ascending streams from ocean to spawn.

Anal Pertaining to the vent or anus.

Anal fin The single, median fin behind the anus.

Barbel A fleshy, thread-like or flap-like projection on mouth or head.

Branchiostegal rays Elongated bones arranged fan-wise within the branchiostegal membranes.

Canine teeth Strong, conical, long sharply pointed teeth on fore part of jaws.

Caudal Tail.

Caudal peduncle Region between rear of anal fin and base of tail.

Cheek Portion of head between eye and opercle.

Common Plentiful.

Compressed Flattened laterally, like the sunfishes.

Concave Arched inward.

Confluent Flowing or blending together or into one.

Conic Cone shaped.

Decurved Curving downward.

Depressed Flattened from top to bottom.

Dermal Tissue Skin-like or membranous covering.

Dorsal Referring to the back, above.

Ear flap Opercular flap.

Falcate Curved like a sickle.

Family A grouping of fish which have similar characteristics; related genera.

Fusiform Tapering at both ends.

12 Gills The respiratory organs on sides of head beneath the gill covers.

Gill rakers Blunt, knob-like projections on front edge of first gill arch.

Head Area from snout to hind edge of opercle.

Keel Sharp median edge or ridge.

Lateral line Visible series of pores along side of fish's body which open into sensory organs located beneath skin.

Lateral line scales Those scales bearing the lateral line sensory organs.

Longitudinal Lengthwise.

Mandible The lower jaw.

Maxillary Outermost (side) bones of upper jaw, the hind ends of which move downward when mouth is opened.

Nostrils External openings of nose located forward of eyes.

Oblique Slanting...neither horizontal nor vertical.

Opercle The gill cover.

Opercular flap Extension of posterior margin of opercle as in the bluegill.

Origin (of fin) Foremost end of the base of a fin.

Pectoral fins Foremost or uppermost paired fins, one on each side of breast.

Pelvic fins Paired fins below or behind the pectorals.

Piscivorous Feeding on fish.

Posterior Placed to the back, hindmost.

Premaxillaries Pair of bones forming the tip of the upper jaw, may bear teeth.

Preopercle The bone lying in front of the opercle, below and behind the eye and comprising the forepart of the gill cover.

Rare Very uncommon.

Rays May refer collectively to all soft and hard rays of fins, but usually means soft rays.. .the hard rays being de-s- cribed as spines or spinous.

13 Reticulations A network of markings, chainlike, as in the chain pickerel.

Rudiments Poorly or partially developed...less than full size or length.

Scales Small flattened, rigid plates forming part of body covering.

Serrated Notched or toothed as in a saw.

Snout Portion of head from front of eye socket forward.

Spine A rigid, solid, unbranched, more or less pointed fin ray.

Subocular Below the eye.

Tail The caudal fin.

Terminal Said of the mouth when at the front of the head, neither snout nor lower jaw projecting.

Tubercles Hardened, usually cone-like protuberances.

Ventral Lower surface, throat and belly.

Vermiculations Worm-like markings.

Vomerine Teeth occuring on the median bone at front of roof of mouth.

14 LITERATURE EXAMINED FOR SOURCE MATERIAL

The following selected references include many works that may be recommended to the layman for reading. A substantial portion of the information in this manual has been drawn from unpublished data taken from the files of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game, Field Headquarters, Westboro, Massachusetts and is therefore not included in this bibliography.

American Fisheries Society, Committee on Names of Fishes. 1960. A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes From the United States and Canada. American Fish.Soc. Spec. Publ. 2, 2nd ed., 102 pp.

Bigelow, H. B., and W. C. Schroeder. 1953. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fishery Bulletin 74, 577 pp.

Bridges, Colton H. 1955. A Fisheries Investigation of the Taunton and North River Drainage Systems. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

. 1958. A Compendium of the Life History and Ecology of the Eastern Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, (Aitchill). Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, Fisheries Bull. No. 23, 37 pp.

Carl, G. Clifford, W. A. Clemens, and C. C. Lindsey. 1959. The Fresh-Water Fishes of British Columbia. B. C. Provincial Museum, Victoria, Dept. of Ed. Handbook No. 5, 192 pp.

Carpenter, Ralph G. and Hilbert R. Siegler. 1947. A Sportsman's Guide to the Fresh-Water Fishes of New Hampshire. N. H. Fish and Game Commission, 87 pp.

Clay, William M. 1962. A Field Manual of Kentucky Fishes. Ky. Dept. Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, 147 pp.

Eddy, Samuel. 1957. How to Know the Fresh-Water Fishes. Wm. C. Brown, Dubuque, Iowa, 253 pp.

, and Thaddeus Surber. 1947. Northern Fishes. University Minn. Press, Minneapolis, 276 pp.

Elser, Harold J. 1950. The Common Fishes of Maryland, How to Tell Them Apart. Md. Game and Inland Fish Commission, Publ. No. 88, Baltimore, 45 pp.

15 Eschmeyer, R. W. 1955. Fish Conservation Fundamentals. Sport Fishing Inst. Bull. No. 38, 30 pp.

, and George S. Fichter. 1959. Good Fishing, How to Maintain and Improve the Sport. Harper and Brothers, New York, 124 pp.

Everhart, W. H. 1958. Fishes of Maine. Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Game, Augusta, 2nd ed., 94 pp.

Forbes, Stephen A., and Robert E. Richardson. 1920. The Fishes of Illinois. Natural Hist. Surv. Ill., Vol. III, 357 pp.

Harlan, James R., and Everett B. Speaker. 1956. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa State Conservation Commission, 3rd ed., 377 pp.

Hubbs, C. L., and K. F. Lagler. 1949. Fishes of the Great Lakes Region. Cranbrook Inst. Sci. Bull. No. 26, 213 pp.

Jordan, David Starr. 1934. American Food and Game Fishes, A Popular Account of All the Species Found in America North of the Equator, with Keys for Ready Identifica- tion, Life Histories, and Methods of Capture. Double- day, Doran and Co., Garden City, N. Y., 574 pp.

. 1925. Fishes. D. Appleton and Co., New York, revised ed., 773 pp.

, and Barton Warren Evermann. 1896. The Fishes of North and Middle America. Bull. U. S. Natural Hist. Museum, No. 47, (4 volumes), 3313 pp.

Leim, A. H. and W. B. Scott. 1966. Fishes of the Atlantic Coast of Canada. Fisheries Res. Bd. of Canada, Bull. No. 155, Ottawa, 485 pp.

McCabe, Britton C. 1948. Fisheries Report for Lakes of Central Massachusetts. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, 254 pp.

. 1952. Fisheries Report for Lakes of North- eastern Massachusetts. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, 115 pp.

, and A. H. Swartz. 1951. Fisheries Report, Plymouth, Berkshire and Barnstable Counties. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, 269 pp.

McClane, A. J., editor. 1965. McClane's Standard Fishing Encyclopedia and International Angling Guide. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York, 1057 pp.

16 Mullen, James W. 1952. A Fisheries Investigation of the Westfield River Drainage. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

. 1953. A Fisheries Investigation of the Millers and Squannacook River Drainages. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

. 1956. A Fisheries Investigation of the Cape Cod Coastal Streams and the Swift River Below Quabbin Reservoir. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

. 1958. The Sea-Run or "Salter" Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Fishery of the Coastal Streams of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, Bull. No. 17, 25 pp.

. 1960. Trout Stream Management in Massa- chusetts. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, 94 pp.

, and Michael Miskewich. 1961. Connecticut River Survey. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

, and Lewis C. Schlotterbeck. 1961. Reclama- tion of the Deerfield River for Trout and Evaluation of this Technique as Applied. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

, and William A. Tompkins. 1959. Trout Pond Management in Massachusetts. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game 132 pp.

Norman, J.R. 1958. A History of Fishes. Hill and Wang, New York, 463 pp.

Schlotterbeck, Lewis C. 1953. A Fisheries Investigation of the Merrimack and Ipswich River Drainages. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, D-J Project Completion Report, unpublished.

Schrenkeisen, Ray. 1938. Field Book of Fresh-Water Fishes of North America, North of Mexico. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 312 pp.

Sigler, William F., and Robert R. Miller. 1963. Fishes of Utah. Utah State Dept. of Fish and Game, 203 pp.

Stroud, Richard H. 1955. Fisheries Report for Some Central, Eastern, and Western Massachusetts Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs, 1951-1952. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, 447 pp.

17 , and H. Bitzer. 1955. Harvests and Manage- ment of Warmwater Fish Populations in Massachusetts' Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs. Extract from Frog. Fish Culturist, April 1955, pp. 52-63.

Swartz, A. H. 1942. Fisheries Survey Report. Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, 180 pp.

Thoits, C. F. III. 1958. A Compendium of the Life History and Ecology of the White Perch, Morone americana (Gmelin). Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, Fisheries Bull. No. 24, 19 pp.

Thorpe, Lyle M. 1942. A Fishery Survey of Important Connecticut Lakes. State Bd. of Fish. and Game, Lake and Pond Survey Unit Bull. No. 63, 339 pp.

Tompkins, William A., and Paul S. Mugford. 1964. Inland Fisheries Planning Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game, Current Programs and Future Needs. (2 volumes), unpublished.

Trautman, Milton B. 1957. The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State Univ. Press, Columbus, 683 pp.

Whitworth, Walter R., Peter L. Berrien, and Walter T. Keller. 1968. Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Conn. Geologi- cal and Nat. Hist. Survey Bull. No. 101, 134 pp.

Wich, Kenneth. 1958. A Compendium of the Life History and Ecology of the Chain Pickerel, Esox niger (LeSueur). Mass. Div. Fish. and Game, Fisheries Bull. No. 22, 27 pp.

18 SPINY DORSAL FIN

LATERAL LINE SOFT DORSAL FIN SCALES

CHEEK LATERAL LINE

CAUDAL PEDUNCLE

ADIPOSE FIN NOSTRILS

PREMAXILLARY

BARBELS -

MAXILLARY CAUDAL FIN OR BRANCHIOSTEGALS TAIL PELV C SPINE

Sketch of a hypothetical fish showing structure and anatomical names of parts.

Figure 1

19 IDENTIFYING MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHES

The Artificial Keys

Haw to Use

Before referring to the identifying keys, the reader should familiar- ize himself with anatomical characters used as shown in Figure 1, and with the section on methods of counting.

The keys are constructed to offer the reader two choices. Only one of the two possible choices will obviously apply to the specimen in hand.

Thus, the selection of the appropriate choice, (a or b), will lead the reader ultimately either to the proper family or in some cases, where only one representative of the family is present, it will lead immediately to the species. When the referral is to the appropriate family, a supplement- ary key is usually provided which, when followed in the same manner, leads finally to the proper species identification. In some cases where only two members of a family are present, or where pictorial or worded description makes identification obvious, no secondary key within the family is needed. One need only scan the few possible choices to arrive at a deci- sion.

All rare or unknown species that come into one's possession should be

"keyed out" and even those more common fish which exhibit abnormal characteristics should be compared with the keys.

20 METHODS OF COUNTING

RUDIMENTARY PAY

Figure

Dorsal and Anal Fin Rays

Rays include all hard and soft skeletal supports of the fins, including what are commonly called "spines".

Soft rays at front of fin which are undivided at tips and are short are called rudimentary rays and usually are not counted. First full length unbranched ray is counted. Last soft ray is often split nearly to its base but is counted as one ray. Among the Esocidae (Pike), Salmonidae (Salmons,

Trouts), and Ictaluridae (Catfish) families, rudiments are included.

Soft Rays in the Paired Fins

All rays are counted including the smallest at the inner end of the fin base.

Lateral Line Scale Count

Count those scales from shoulder girdle to structural caudal base

(crease formed by moving caudal fin from side to side) which lie along the lateral line or approximate position usually occupied by lateral line.

Scale lying over crease counts if more than half is forward of actual crease.

When lateral line is incomplete, count scales which lie in position normally assumed by lateral line.

21 Branchiostegal Rays

The branchiostegal membranes, situated on the ventral edges of the gill covers anteriorly, contain elongated, slender bones or rays. All branchiostegals must be counted including some short, small and almost concealed anteriormost ones.

Gill Rakers

Count all rakers on first gill arch, including rudimentary rakers.

GILL GILL ARCH FILAMENTS

Figure 3

22 KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF FRESHWATER FISHES

OF MASSACHUSETTS

I (a) Mouth a sucking disc without jaws: 7 gill openings: paired

fins absent:

Sea Lamprey (page 30)

Figure 4

1 (b) Mouth with true jaws; paired fins present: - 2

2 (a) Caudal fin not symmetrical; caudal vertebrae extending into

the upper lobe of the caudal fin:

Atlantic Sturgeon (page 31 )

Figure 5

2 (b) Caudal fin more or less symmetrical: - 3

Figure 6

23 3 (a) Body eel-shaped; dorsal, caudal and anal fins united and

continuous; no pelvic fins:

American Eel (page 32)

Figure 7

3 (b) Body not eel-shaped: - 4

4 (a) Body extremely flattened; both eyes on same side of head;

no pectoral fins:

Hogchoker (page 33 )

Figure 8

4 (b) Body not flattened, eyes on both sides of head: - 5

5 (a) Body very long, slender with prehensile tail, covered with

ring-like plates:

Northern Pipefish (page 34 )

5 (b) Body without prehensile tail and ring-like plates: 6

6 (a) Dorsal fin preceded by 2 or more free spines:

The Sticklebacks (pages 35-39)

Figure 10

6 (b) Dorsal fin not preceded by free spines; all spines

present connected by membranes: -7

7 (a) Adipose fin present: - 8

7 (b) Adipose fin absent: - 10

Figure 11

8 (a) Barbels on head, scales absent: - The catfishes (pages 40-47 )

Figure 12

8 (b) Barbels absent: scales present: -9

25 9 (a) Scales large; fewer than 75 along lateral line: - the

American Smelt (page 48 )

Figure 13

9 (b) Scales small; more than 105 along lateral line: - the

Salmons and Trouts (pages 49-60 )

Figure 14

10 (a) Midline of belly with a saw-like keel: - the Herrings (pages 61-64)

Figure 15

10 (b) Midline of belly without a saw-like keel: - 11

11 (a) Top of head, cheeks and opercles without scales: - 12

11 (b) Cheeks and opercles partially or completely scaled, top

of head with or without scales; - 13

26 12 (a) Mouth points downward and is sucker-like with thick lips;

dorsal fin with ten or more rays: - the Suckers (pages 65-69 )

12 (b) Mouth opening toward the front; dorsal fin with 9 or fewer

rays (except Carp and Goldfish - these can be distinguished

from all other minnows in Massachusetts by the presence of a

spine in the dorsal and anal fins:) - the Minnows (pages 79-90)

13 (a) Mouth very large, snoutlike, and with strong, canine teeth:

the Pikes (pages 91-97 )

Figure 16 NI,

13 (b) Mouth not very large nor snoutlike, teeth weak: - 14

14 (a) Spiny dorsal fin separate, smaller and preceding soft dorsal

fin: - the Silversides (page 98 )

14 (b) No separate and smaller spiny dorsal fin preceding soft

dorsal fin: - 15

15 (a) Small tilted mouth, lower jaw usually protruding; lateral

line lacking or incomplete, 3rd ray in anal fin branched, and

no spiny rayed fins: - the Topminnows and Killifishes (pages 99-101)

15 (b) Description other than above: - 16

27 16 (a) Body scaleless, but may be covered with spines or prickles;

head large; eyes in top of head; pectoral fins large: - the Sculpins (pages 102-103)

FI7 ' .1T/

Figure 17

16 (b) Body with scales: -17

17 (a) Anal spines 2 or less: - the Perches and Darters (pages 104-107)

Figure 18

17 (b) Anal spines 3 or more: -18

(The first spine is short

and sometimes difficult

to observe)

28 18 (a) Dorsal fins entirelyseparated or but slightly joined:

the True Basses; White Perch (page 108)

Figure 20

18 (b) Dorsal fins united and continuous: - the Sunfishes (pages 110-123)

Figure 21

29 PETROMYZONTIDAE FAMILY - LAMPREYS

Sea Lamprey (Lamprey 7,e1) Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus

MOUTH A SUCKING DISC

Figure 22

Most closely resembles: American Eel. But American Eel has true mouth and

jaws.

Structure: Eel-like in appearance with a sucker-disc mouth filled with

horny spines called teeth. No pectoral or pelvic fins. No

jaws. Seven gill openings an each side of head. Long dorsal

fin almost continuous with caudal fin.

Color: Usually bluish-brown with mottling of black. Whitish below.

Distribution: Marine waters from Labrador to Florida. Ascends coastal

streams about May to spawn. May become landlocked. Reported

from North River drainage. Rare.

Size: Adults on upstream spawning runs may average 24-36 inches.

Characteristics: Parasitizes other fish by attachment of sucking mouth and

extracts blood and body fluids from victims by rasping

movements of its teeth.

30 ACIPENSERIDAE FAMILY - STURGEONS

Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrhynchus Mitchill

CONICAL SNOUT

4 BARBELS SUCKER-LIKE MOUTH STURGEON-LIKE CAUDAL FIN

Figure 23

Most closely resembles: No other species.

Structure: Mouth with true jaws. Snout elongated and flattened and ex-

tended beyond the ventral, sucker-like mouth. Mouth preceded

by 4 barbels. Body covered with bony shields or plates. Tail

is not symmetrical - dorsal lobe of caudal fin much larger and

containing upturned vertebral column.

Color: Olive gray, paler below.

Distribution: Coastal from St. Lawrence River to Gulf of Mexico. Ascends

coastal streams in spring to spawn. Very rare in Massachusetts.

May occur in Connecticut and Merrimac Rivers.

Size: May attain lengths up to 18 feet.

31 ANGUILLIDAE FAMILY - TRUE EELS

American Eel Anguilla rostrata (LeSueur)

SNAKE-LIKE BODY APPEARS SCALELESS

DORSAL, CAUDAL AND ANAL FINS UNITED AND CONTINUOUS TRUE JAWS PECTORAL FINS PRESENT NO PELVIC FINS

Figure 24

Most closely resembles: Sea lamprey. But Sea Lamprey has sucker-disc

mouth and lacks pectoral fins.

Structure: True mouth with jaws. Pectoral fins present but lacking pelvic

fins. Dorsal, caudal, and anal fins united in continuous

ribbon. Scales minute - skin has smooth appearance.

Color: Greenish or yellowish-brown; belly grading to gray or pale green.

Distribution: Entire Atlantic coast. Female elvers ascend streams in

spring to live in fresh water for several years until sex-

ually mature. Males remain in estuaries. Mature adults

migrate downstream in fall to spawn in the Sargasso Sea.

Widely distributed throughout Massachusetts both in ponded

waters and in streams.

Size: Females to 3 or 4 feet. Occasionally larger. Males smaller.

Habits: Voracious, nocturnal feeders. Omnivorous. May penetrate far

inland.

32 SOLETDAE FAMILY - SOLES

Hogchoker Trinectes maculatus (Bloch and Schneider)

ROUNDED CAUDAL FIN SCALES VERY ROUGH

EYES SMALL

MOUTH SMALL, CROOKED

PELVIC AND ANAL FINS UNITED

Figure 25

Most closely resembles: No other fresh water species - similar to marine

group of flounders.

Structure: Body flattened; eyes small, close together; both eyes an same

side; mouth small, crooked. There are 50-55 rays in dorsal

fin, 37-46 in anal, 66-75 scales in lengthwise series. Caudal

fin rounded.

Color: Upper side brownish, often mottled, usually with dark streak along

lateral line, 7 or 8 narrow, dark, cross streaks. Under side often

plain white, may be clouded with dark spots.

Distribution: Marine species which ascends brackish coastal streams. Re-

ported from Taunton River drainage.

Size: Rarely exceeds 5-6 inches.

33 SYNGNATHIDAE FAMILY - PIPEFISHES

Northern Pipefish Syngnathus fuscus Storer

HEXAGONAL BUT SNOUT TUBE-LIKE, FRONT OF BODY BLUNT ENDED SQUARE BEHIND DORSAL FIN

------PREHENSILE TAIL

Figure 26

Most closely resembles: No other species.

Structure: Body very long and slender, particularly behind the vent. Body

in cross section is hexagonal forward of vent and four-sided

behind the dorsal fin. Ring-like plates make body appear joint-

ed. Prehensile tail used to cling to vegetation. Dorsal fin

has 35-41 rays. Pectorals of moderate size, no pelvic fins.

Exceedingly long snout with small toothless mouth at tip. Gill

openings very small.

Color: Greenish-brown above, pale yellow below. Lower parts of gill covers

are silvery. Dorsal and pectoral fins pale, caudal fin brawn. Can

change colors to match environment.

Distribution: Atlantic coastal salt and brackish waters. Enters rivers.

Reported from North River drainage.

Size: Usually 4-8 inches.

Habits: Inhabits eelgrass or seaweeds. Propels itself by dorsal fin or

when alarmed, can move swiftly with eel-like strokes of caudal fin.

34 GASTEROSTEIDAE FAMILY - STICKLEBACKS

Twospine jtickleback Gasterosteus wheatlandi Putnam

9-10 DORSAL RAYS

LARGE EYE

--- 7-8 ANAL RAYS

FEW DERMAL PLATES

Figure 27

Most closely resembles: Threespine Stickleback, but Twospine Stickleback

has fewer fin rays (9 or 10 dorsal and 7 or 8 anal).

Also, Twospine has fewer bony plates (5 or 6) as

opposed to 28-33 in the Threespine.

Structure: Much like Threespine Stickleback. Three spines on back, two

somewhat paired, one preceding soft dorsal fin. Spines each with

triangular fin membrane. Small anal spine separate from anal fin.

Very slender caudal peduncle, squarish caudal fin. Usually 5-6

bony plates laterally. No scales. Large eye. Heavy pelvic spines.

Color: Usually grass-green above in life. Sides of head and body are golden

with dark blotches. Breast silvery, pelvic fins scarlet. Top of head

and back mottled and speckled with black.

Distribution: Marine or brackish coastal waters. Sometimes ascends streams.

Size: 2-4 inches; seldom over 3 inches.

Characteristics: Pugnacious especially during breeding season. Male constructs

spherical or barrel-shaped nest the size of a walnut. Will

raise spines and attack larger fishes.

35 Threespine Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus

10-14 DORSAL RAYS

,4 8-10 ANAL RAYS SAW-TOOTHED SPINE

TRIANGULAR VENTRAL PLATE BODY COMPLETELY COVERED WITH BONY PLATES

Figure 28 Most closely resembles: Twospine and Fourspine Sticklebacks, but the

Threespine has body completely plated - Twospine

has only 5-6 plates and Fourspine is free of plates.

Structure: A large-eyed, small-mouthed, little fish having usually three

dorsal spines (occasionally four) with the first two the larger,

and each with a triangular membrane. Lateral bony plates number

28-33. Portion of body directly in front of caudal peduncle is

broader than deep with a ridge on each side. Single triangular

ventral plate behind and between pelvic fins. True scales lack-

ing.

Color: Variable but usually greenish or grayish above, silvery on belly, fins

pale to pink to reddish.

Distribution: Marine or brackish coastal waters. Sometimes ascends streams.

Size: 2-4 inches; seldom over 3 inches.

Characteristics: Same as other Sticklebacks.

36 Fourspine Stickleback Apeltes quadracus (Mitchill)

USUALLY 4 SPINES

/ USUALLY H SOFT RAYS

BODY HERE \ IS ROUND- NO RIDGE SAW-TOOTHED SPINE FOLLOWED BY ABOUT USUALLY 2 SLENDER RAYS 8 SOFT RAYS

SCALELESS AND PLATELESS SKIN

Figure 29

Most closely resembles: Two and Threespine Sticklebacks. See descriptions.

Structure: Body without scales and with no bony plates. Portion of body in

front of caudal fin is round and without ridges. Pelvic spine

is strong with both edges toothed, followed usually by 2 slender

rays. Dorsal spines when viewed from above diverge alternately

to right and to left. In cross section, body is triangular,

having a bony ridge each side of abdomen, flat belly and sharp

back. Anal and dorsal fins are preceded by attached spine.

Color: Brownish-olive above, mottled with darker; silvery below; male

almost black.

Distribution: Marine or brackish coastal waters. Sometimes ascends streams.

Size: lk to 21/2 inches.

Characteristics: Similar to other Sticklebacks.

37 Ninespine Stickleback Pungitius pungitius (Linnaeus)

NO BONY PLATES ON USUALLY 9 SPINES FRONT PART OF BODY DIVERGING TO RIGHT AND LEFT USUALLY WITH LONGITUDINAL KEEL

STOUT, SMOOTH SPINE

Figure 30

Most closely resembles: Other Sticklebacks but number of dorsal spines is

distinctive.

Structure: A slender Stickleback with 9 spines (can vary from 7-12) on mid-

line of back, and diverging alternately to right and to left. No

bony plates on front of body. Triangular shield present behind

pelvic fins. Keeled longitudinally on sides forward of caudal

fin. Pelvic spines thicker and longer than dorsal spines and

smooth. Usually 9 soft rays in dorsal fin; 8 in anal fin.

Color: Brownish-green above - frequently spotted and barred with darker

coloration. Silvery below.

Distribution: Marine or brackish coastal waters. Sometimes ascends str,=!ams.

Size: Seldom over 3 inches; usually 2 - 2.

Characteristics: Similar to other Sticklebacks.

38 Brook Stickleback Eucalia inconstans (Kirtland)

5-6 SPINES

NO PLATES OR SCALES

Figure 31

Most closely resembles: Other Sticklebacks but number of dorsal spines is

distinctive.

Structure: Body spindle-shaped. Posterior edge of tail straight. Usually

5-6 short dorsal spines with triangular membrane attached

posteriorly to each. Pelvic and anal spines short and sharp.

No plates or scales.

Color: Dark olivaceous, mottled and spotted on sides. Dorsal, caudal and

anal fins pale olive-green; pelvics light yellow-green; pectorals

transparent and tinged with orange.

Distribution: Rare. Reported from the Swift River.

Size: To 21/2 inches.

39 ICTALURIDAE FAMILY - CATFISHES

1 (a) Adipose fin a fleshy keel fused to caudal fin: - Tadpole Madtom (page 41 )

1 (b) Adipose fin separated from caudal fin: - 2

2 (a) Caudal fin decidedly forked:

Very large blunt head; white (occasionally gray) chin barbels,

upper body bluish-gray to black, belly white. No body spots.

Anal fin with 19-23 rays, counting rudiments: - White Catfish (page 42 )

Head relatively sharp; barbels very long; chin barbels black;

Upper body greenish-gray, belly white. Sides of bod:, spotted.

Body is relatively long, sleek. Anal fins with 24-29 rays counting

rudiments: - Channel Catfish (page 43 )

2 (b) Caudal fin not decidedly forked: - 3

3 (a) Chin barbels white or pinkish, pectoral spine usually smooth, caudal

fin convexly rounded: - Yellow Bullhead (page 45 )

3 (b) Chin barbels black, pectoral spine with strong barbs on posterior edge; caudal fin squarish: - Brown Bullhead (page 46 )

40 Tadpole Madtom Noturus gyrinus (Mitchill)

ADIPOSE FIN FUSED TO CAUDAL FIN

CHI N BARBELS WHITE ROUNDED CAUDAL FIN

NARROW

DARK STREAK ABOUT 1 3 RAYS

Figure 32

Most closely resembles: Small bullheads - but bullheads readily identified

by separate adipose fins.

Structure: Small, tadpole-shaped. Body deepest below leading edge of dorsal

fin. Eye very small. Chin barbels whitish. Usually has narrow

dark streak along lateral line. Caudal fin very rounded. Smooth

pectoral spine. Adipose contiguous with caudal fin.

Color: Yellowish or blackish-brown. Lighter below.

Distribution: Streams and shallow ponds.

Size: Maximum of 5 inches.

Characteristics: Seems to prefer quiet, muddy waters - hides beneath stones,

logs, weeds. Poison glands are located at base of pectoral

and dorsal spines. Wounds from these spines are very painful.

41 White Catfish Ictalurus catus (Linnaeus)

BLUISH- GRAY UPPER LOBE TO BLACK THE LONGER

1,400IA EN.: ALI;j24- 0r DECIDEDLY FORKED WHITE CHIN - BARBELS WHIT BE LLY

19-23 RAYS

Figure 33

Most closely resembles: Brawn Bullhead because of broad head. Most obvious

difference is in caudal fin - substantially forked

in White Catfish - squarish in Bullhead. Also

white chin barbels.

Structure: Broad and blunt head. White chin barbels. Mouth large. Upper

body bluish-gray to black, belly white. There is a break in bony

ridge extending from the head to the dorsal fin. Rays in anal fin

usually 19-23 including rudiments. Decidedly concave or forked

tail with upper lobe slightly the longer. No body spots.

Color: Usually bluish-gray back and white belly. Rather sharp line of de-

marcation from dark back to white belly. Coloration may closely

resemble the Brown Bullhead.

Distribution: Introduced. Rare in Massachusetts. Reported from North Pond,

Hopkinton and a few others.

Size: Usually 12-18 inches. May reach 24-28 inches. Large size is distinc-

tive - "Bullheads of uncommonly large size may be White Catfish and

should be closely scrutinized.

Characteristics: Often of good size. Highly desired by many anglers. 42 Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

BACK USUALLY GREENISH-GRAY

DEEPLY FORKED CAUDAL FIN CHIN BARBELS BLACK

BARBELS VERY LONG SPECKLED SIDES

Figure 34

Most closely resembles: White Catfish. But only Channel Cat has long,

sleek body, with relatively sharp head. Body

spotted.

Structure: Caudal fin is deeply forked. Upper jaw longer than lower.

With an uninterrupted bony ridge from head to dorsal fin. Body

long and streamlined. Head relatively small and narrow. Bar-

bels very long. Anal fin with 24-29 rays including rudiments.

Color: Usually greenish-gray dorsally, paler on sides to whitish on belly.

Small irregular spots or flecks on body.

Distribution: Introduced. Relatively common in Connecticut River. Rare

elsewhere.

Size: Usually up to 7-8 pounds. May attain larger sizes.

Characteristics: Migratory in habit. Prefers deeper, larger waters, fast

current, bottoms of sand, gravel, boulders or silt.

Seldom found in areas of dense aquatic vegetation. Con-

sidered to be desirable sport fish.

43 FISHING HINTS FOR CHANNEL CATFISH

Natural baits fished on or near the bottom are best. The Channel

Cat gets his name from his typical environment, the channels of rivers and the larger streams. Fish for him in deeper runs and holes during daylight hours. After dark, try the riffles above deep pools and holes.

Dark days may be more productive. While artificials are sometimes used to tempt him, he bites best on worms, cut-bait, crayfish, meat scraps or bait fish, dead or alive. He is not a dainty feeder - don't be stingy with worms - use a big gob.

Like all catfishes, the Channel Cat effectively locates his food by use of the scent organs in his barbels. For this reason (and it works), baits having strong odors are successfully employed. Many anglers swear by strong cheese, sour clams, dead fish, or partly decomposed meat of any sort.

One of the largest fresh water fish in Massachusetts, the Channel

Catfish is highly desired for its gameness when hooked and for its superior eating quality.

44 Yellow Bullhead Ictalurus natalis (LeSueur)

CAUDAL FIN ROUNDED

WHI TI SH CHIN BARBELS

25-26 RAYS VAGUE BROAD, A. DARK BAND

Figure 35

Most closely resembles: Brown Bullhead. Chin barbels are nearly always

white (occasionally yellowish or pinkish) in

Yellow Bullhead. They are black in the Brown

Bullhead.

Structure: Body stout, blocky. Head broad, mouth wide. Jaws equal or

upper slightly the longer. Caudal fin rounded when spread.

Anal fin usually with 25-26 rays (extremes 23-28) including

rudiments. Bony ridge from head to dorsal fin is interrupted.

Posterior edge of pectoral spine nearly smooth, with only

slight serrations near tip. (Figure A)

Color: Usually lighter in color than Brown Bullhead. Has definite yellow

cast, often mottled with darker, and frequently with yellow belly.

Chin barbels light colored. Anal fin with rather vague, horizontal,

dark band paralleling base of fin.

Distribution: Common in ponds and sluggish streams but not as abundant as

the Brawn Bullhead.

Size: To 18 inches.

45 Brown Bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus (LeSueur)

FREQUENTLY BLOTCHED, MOTTLED

SQUARISH CAUDAL FIN

DARK CHIN BARBELS

Figure 36

Most closely resembles: Yellow Bullhead - see description.

Structure: Body rather more elongate than Yellow Bullhead. Caudal fin

squarish or very slightly forked. Chin barbels usually black

or dark, rarely gray or black spotted. Anal fin usually with

22-23 rays (extremes 19-24) counting rudiments. Pectoral spine

has sharp, saw-tooth posterior edge. (Figure A). To note

presence, size and sharpness of teeth, grasp anterior and

posterior edges of pectoral fin between thumb and forefinger -

pull outward. Sharp spines will prick and prevent finger from

moving outward. Note: in very large fish, teeth may be blunted.

Bony ridge from head to dorsal fin is interrupted.

Color: Variable. Usually dark brawn or black dorsally. Belly pale gray

or whitish. Frequently with yellowish hues, blotched and mottled

appearing. No sharp demarcation line of coloration between sides

and belly.

Distribution: Abundant throughout the state in ponds, lakes, sluggish streams.

Size: Commonly 9-12 inches. Rarely over 18 inches.

Characteristics: One of the most abundant species and eagerly sought by many

anglers. 46 FISHING HINTS FOR BULLHEADS

Bullheads (Brown and Yellow) are among the most common Massachusetts species and are present in nearly all warm water ponds and sluggish streams. Easy to catch, they provide excellent sport for youngsters, yet their palatability elevates them to a prominent position among adult preferences.

Best fishing hours probably are those at sundown and immediately thereafter. But don't stay home on dark days nor at night and even bright days are sometimes productive. Like the other catfishes, they are omnivorous.

One of the most successful baits is a shiner, either dead or alive.

Use a hook with a moderate shank since the bait will inevitably be swallowed. Fish near the bottom, but not necessarily on it. Casting away from boat or shore and slowly dragging bait back will cover more ground. Any bait may suffice but those easily obtained like worms, raw beef, crayfish, grasshoppers, fish entrails et cetera, are all successful.

Massachusetts has no bag limits an bullheads - you may keep all you catch.

47 American Smelt Osmerus mordax (Mitchill)

1 0 RAYS , STRONG TEETH ON , DEEPLY FORKED TONGUE AND JAWS Ai 7 la CAUDAL RN 7 /7/6

MOUTH EXTENDS TO REAR OF EYE

LESS THAN 75 SCALES LENGTHWISE

Figure 37

Most closely resembles: No other species. Only trouts and catfishes

have adipose fins.

Structure: Body small, slender. Long, pointed head. Large mouth. Small

adipose fin. Caudal fin deeply forked. Dorsal fin usually

with 10 rays, anal with 13. Fang-like teeth on tongue and

front of roof of :mouth. Large scales. No fin spines.

Color: Transparent green above - sides silvery.

Distribution: Anadrommis in coastal streams. Has become landlocked and

introduced in numerous large lakes and reservoirs.

Size: Commonly to 8-10 inches.

Characteristics: Travels in schools. Habitually in very deep water.

In suitable fresh-water lakes, spawning occurs in

tributaries, possibly on shores or bars. Considered

important forar;e for large lake and brown trout.

Excellent eating and eagerly sought by anglers fishing

in coastal waters. No open season on inland waters.

4ß SALMONIDAE FAMILY - SALMONS AND TROUTS

1 (a) Anal fin with 13 or more rays: - Kokanee (page 51 )

1 (b) Anal fin with fewer than 13 rays: - 2

2 (a) Dark olive back with darker vermiculations; anterior rays of

pectoral, pelvic and anal fins milk-white delimited with black

margins (see Figure 38); tail square or very shallow forked: -

Brook Trout (page 52 )

Figure 38

2 (b) Description other than above: - 3

3 (a) Grayish body with extensive paler spotting on back, sides, cheeks,

gill covers, dorsal and caudal fins - but lacking white and black

margins on lower fins and having deeply forked tail, (Figure 39) -

Lake Trout (page 54)

Figure 39

3 (b) Description other than above: -4

4 (a) Caudal fin, dorsal fin, back and sides profusely spotted with black;

no red or orange spots present; adults usually with rosy lateral

band the length of body: - Rainbow Trout (page 56)

4 (b) Description other than above: - 5

49 5 (a) Vomerine teeth in weakly developed single row, deciduous; or

shaft toothless; (see Figures 40, 41)

LOCATION OF VOMERINE TEETH

SHAFT OF VOMER

Figure 40

Adipose fin never with orange; black spots in adults often X or

XX shaped: - Atlantic Salmon or (Landlocked) (page 58)

5 (b) Vomerine teeth moderately to strongly developed in double, zig-zag

raw along shaft: (see Figures 40, 41), adipose fin usually fringed

or spotted with orange or red;

little or no spotting on caudal SHAFT OF VOME R fin, usually large, dark dif-

fuse spots on back and dorsal

fin; red spots on sides often

with bluish halos: -

Brown Trout (page 59)

Figure 41

50 Kokanee (Sockeye Salmon) Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum)

BODY AND FINS BACK GREENISH UNSPOTTED OR BLUISH \

USUALLY SIDES SILVERY 14-16 RAYS

Figure 42

Most closely resembles: Atlantic Salmon. Its lack of spotting, however, should

be sufficient to distinguish the Kokanee from all other

Massachusetts salmonids. It usually has from 14-16 ana

rays - never less than 13, whereas other trouts and

salmons have fewer than 13.

Structure: Moderately to deeply forked tail. Anal rays 14-16; branchiostegal

rays 13-19; gill rakers 19-25.

Color: Greenish or bluish dorsally with silvery sides. During spawning season

both male and female turn deep red.

Distribution: Recently introduced in Onota Lake, Pittsfield.

Size: A landlocked version of the anadromous Sockeye Salmon of the Pacific

coast, the smaller Kokanee seldom exceeds 16 inches. Average size for

adults is nearer 8-10 inches.

Characteristics: The species matures at about four years of age, spawns once in

the fall and dies. It may prove valuable both as a forage fish

for larger trout and as a sport fish in its own right. Pri-

marily a plankton eater, the Kokanee does not compete with

other game fishes for food.

51 Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill)

HEAVILY USUALLY RED SPOTS ABOUT 230 LATERAL VERMICULATED WITH BLUE HALOS LINE SCALES

SQUARISH - TAIL

LOWER FINS WITH WHITE- BLACK MARGINS

Figure 43

Most closely resembles: Brown and Rainbow Trout. Browns and Rainbows both

lack vermiculations and white-black margins on lower

fins. Browns are yellawer, adipose fin usually

fringed or spotted with orange or red. Rainbows

have many spots on head and tail.

Structure: Scales so small they are nearly invisible; fins all with soft rays;

lateral line present. Squarish tail in adults, younger fish with

slight fork. Gill rakers 9-12. Vomerine teeth limited to head of shaft.

Color: Generally olive green-darker dorsally, with dark green vermiculations on

back and dorsal fin. Sides frequently with rounded red spots with blue

halos. Pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins have milky-white leading edges

with black margin immediately following. Coloration may vary consider-

ably depending upon waters from which taken.

Distribution: Natives found throughout state only in suitable waters. Widely

stocked as put-and-take species.

Size: Stocked fish usually range from 6-14 inches. Sea-runs often exceed 15

inches, but natives rarely exceed 6 inches.

Characteristics: Popular for put-and-take stocking because it is easily caught.

52 FISHING HINTS FOR BROOK TROUT

The "Brookie is our only native trout. Although it is still present in some of the upland headwater streams where water temperatures remain cold in summer, sizes rarely exceed six inches and are commonly only three or four inches. Most brook trout fishing in Massachusetts is provided by stockings of catchables over six inches. Regardless of whether the waters contain wild or stocked brookies, the technique is the same for fishing.

In brooks, fish the holes and pools - even the small ones; undercut banks, and shady runs. Worms and flies, either wet or dry, are infallible. The brookie is notorious for its willingness to bite and is readily harvested.

In cold water below 50°F, such as may be encountered in early spring, o worms are best - fished slowly and deep about mid-day. Above 60 F during

May when streams drop to normal levels, insects begin to hatch. Now is the

time for the fly fisherman to shine. Most any pattern will suffice, often

the gaudier are more productive. During warm summer days, early morning and late afternoon probably will prove superior to mid-day angling.

In stocked ponds, the same procedures will prove successful except that

the wet flies and streamers are to be preferred to dry flies. Again, the common garden worm will reap the lion's share of the fish.

53 Lake Trout Salvelinus namxrcush (dalbaum)

GRAYISH WITH PROFUSE PALER SPOTS

DEEPLY FORKED TAIL

Figure 44

Most closely resembles: No other species.

Structure: Head nearly V-shaped when viewed from above. Anal and dorsal fins

usually with 11 rays (including rudiments). Caudal fin deeply

forked. Adipose fin small. About 190-200 lateral line scales.

Color: General color dark gray dorsally becoming lighter on sides with a

profusion on paler spots on back, sides, cheeks, gillcovers, dorsal

and caudal fins. No black or red spots.

Distribution: Introduced successfully in Quabbin Reservoir. Unknown elsewhere.

Size: Currently to 14 pounds. May substantially exceed this in the future.

Characteristics: Inhabits very deep water during summer. Primarily pisci-

vorous utilizing smelt, yellow perch.

54 FISHING HINTS FOR LAKE TROUT

The Lake Trout is said to prefer a temperature of 41°F. Fish for this species in waters from 40°F to 45°F and you will be in the vicinity of any

Lake Trout that may be present. In spring, soon after ice-out, this may well be in shallow water, near shore or reefs. In summer, however, Lakers will be present only in deep waters, often exceeding 100 feet. Obviously, angling under these deep-water conditions is somewhat specialized. Most consistently successful anglers rely upon deep trolling with wire line

tipped with a mooselook wobbler, large spoon or flatfish. The object is to o present the lure in 41 F water and at the same time close to the bottom or

to ledges where the laker will be foraging for natural food. Although

trolling at mid-depths may sometimes be productive, a lure presented in the

bottom area where most of the natural forage is present is more likely to

bring results. Live bait fishing at the same depths using shiners, or

jigging with cut bait (sucker, herring, smelt) is also practiced. Do not be

too hasty in striking when the Laker takes live bait. Give a little line and when the fish moves off, strike hard. Usually a Laker is part of a school.

Once found, the spot should be marked and revisited.

The angler should remember that in Massachusetts, the minimum legal

length for the Lake Trout is 18 inches with a daily bag of two fish.

55 Rainbow Trout Salmo r*airdneri Richardson

BODY, DORSAL AND CAUDAL FINS SPOTTED PROFUSELY ADIPOSE WITH DARK MARGIN USUALLY SPOTTED

\ USUALLY 10 RAYS ROSY LATERAL BAND

Figure 45

Most closely resembles: Brook and Brawn Trout but the Rainbow is the only one

with caudal fin profusely spotted. Rainbow has no

red spots.

Structure: Anal fin with about 10 rays and higher than it is wide at its

base. Dorsal fin with 11 rays. About 120-138 lateral line

scales.

Color: Profusely and uniformly black-spotted but with no red spots. Sides

often with silvery hue - darker and greenish above. Rose or pink

lateral band usually present in adults.

Distribution: Introduced. It is not self-propagating in Massachusetts waters.

Widely distributed throughout the state through stocking in

ponds and larger streams.

Size: Stocked at lengths up to 15 inches. May reach 5-6 pounds in suitable

ponds and reservoirs.

Characteristics: Exhibits rather spectacular fighting qualities. Migratory

habits limit stockings to appropriate waters.

56 FISHING HINTS FOR RAINBOW TROUT

This species was introduced from the west coast where it is native.

Massachusetts waters offering Rainbows generally lack the suitable spawning tributaries necessary for natural reproduction; therefore, Rainbow fishing is completely dependent upon artificial rearing and stocking. A highly rated gamefish, it strikes hard and explodes into spectacular leaps.

Most stream-stocked Rainbows fail to carry over and seldom attain large sizes. Stream fishing for Rainbows is similar to Brook or Brown Trout fishing employing flies or natural baits. But most larger fish are taken from reclaimed trout ponds, particularly those on Cape Cod. Trolling with streamers or with a spinner and shiner combination is usually effective. The popular

Flatfish and Mooselook wobblers are among the better hardware lures and they reap a large share of the catch. Successful anglers concentrate on surface lures in the shallows during early spring when waters are still cold - around

39°F. As it warms, Rainbows seek cooler waters, preferably around 61GF. Such water may be found off the mouth of tributaries or within the thermocline, a transitional layer of water characterized by rapidly decreasing temperatures.

In midsummer on most deep lakes, this layer may be found between 25 and 75 feet.

57 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar Linnaeus

X OR )0C SHAPED SPOTS ADIPOSE NEVER ORANGE HAS LIGHT MARGIN

\ USUALLY 9 RAYS

Figure 46

Most closely resembles: Brown Trout from some waters assume a silvery color-

ation and may be misinterpreted as landlocked salmon.

Vomerine teeth are well developed in double zig-zag

row in the Brawn Trout (see page 50 ) - also adipose

fin is usually fringed or spotted with orange or red.

Structure: Graceful body is deepest at point below dorsal fin. Dorsal fin

usually with 11 rays; anal with 9 rays. Caudal fin nearly square

in older, large fish but more deeply forked in young fish. Vamerine

teeth little developed with those on shaft few and diciduous. About

120 lateral line scales.

Color: Varies considerably. Usually brownish or bluish - black dorsally, with

silvery sides. Numerous black spots are X or XX shaped.

Distribution: Extremely rare. Occasional straggler may migrate up Connecticut

or Merrimac River. Landlocks, except for recent introductions

into Quabbin Reservoir, have not been stocked for many years and

are undoubtedly extinct in other Massachusetts waters.

Size: Sea-runs may reach 40 pounds.

Characteristics: Authorities recognize no anatomical differences between the

anadramous Atlantic Salmon and the Landlocked. 58 Brawn Trout Salmo trutta Linnaeus

LARGE BLACK AND RED SPOTS PRESENT USUALLY WITH ORANGE MARGIN OR SPOTS

\ 10 OR II RAYS

Figure 47

Most closely resembles: Rainbow and Brook Trout - see descriptions. When

silver coloration occurs, may erroneously be inter-

preted as a salmon. (See page 58 ).

Structure: Anal fin usually with 10-11 rays. Lateral line scales about 125.

Caudal fin in adult fish squarish or even fan-shaped. Body rela-

tively stout, blocky. Vomerine teeth well developed with double

zig-zag row. (See page 50 ).

Color: Normally brownish - darker above, lighter below; becomes silvery in

some lakes. Numerous large blackish or brown spots, usually round,

often with pale borders. Nearly always with red-orange spots on sides,

frequently with bluish halos. Adipose fin usually fringed or spotted

with orange or red. Caudal fin with few or no spots.

Distribution: Introduced. Common all over state. Heavily stockedl ponds and

streams. Some limited natural reproduction in suitable waters.

Size: To 18 pounds in larger ponds and reservoirs.

Characteristics: Most wary of the trouts. Can withstand higher water tempera-

tures than Brook or Rainbow Trout under normal circumstances.

59 FISHING HINTS FOR BROWN TROUT

Some of the largest freshwater game fish brought to net each year in

Massachusetts are Brown Trout. Their piscivorous habits are usually responsible for rapid growth. Being efficient competitors, they are well-suited to many waters containing warm water fishes, and they are usually more tolerant of higher water temperatures than other trout. Their large size, together with their reputation for wiliness makes their capture all the more rewarding to the angler, but their poor catchability is an obstacle to limit catches or catches by the novice.

Largest fish are found in stocked ponds and lakes. If the water boasts a smelt or alewife population, browns of large size may be expected. In lakes and reservoirs, browns are taken on the same lures as many other game fishes.

Spoons, spinners and plugs that imitate bait fish are usually trolled in deep waters during summer. Browns are also caught on live bait; shiners, worms, shrimp, and crayfish. It may often be difficult to entice the Brawn Trout in clear waters. For this reason, twilight or night angling is practiced by many successful fishermen.

Some of the better ponds for Brown Trout are: Long Pond, Plymouth; Cliff

Pond, Brewster; Congamond Lakes, Southwick; and Wachusett Reservoir,

Boylston.

60 Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus (Wilson)

EYE LARGE , LONGER DARK THAN SNOUT SPOT

LOWER JAW PROJECTS

ABOUT 1 9 ABOUT 50 RAYS STRONG SCALES SERRATIONS LENGTHWISE

Figure 48

Most closely resembles: Blueback Herring. But the width of the Alewife's

eye is broader than distance from forward edge of

eye to tip of snout - the Blueback's eye is about

equal to snout distance. Back of Alewife is grayish-

green, that of Herring is dark blue. Also, lining of

abdominal cavity is pale gray or pinkish-white in Ale-

wife, in Herring it is dusky or blackish.

Structure: Body is 3 1/3 times as long as deep. No lateral line. Deeply

forked caudal fin. No spines in dorsal fin. Body covered with

cycloid scales. About 19 rays in anal fin. Lower jaw projects

beyond upper jaw. Strong serrations an belly midline. Head is

short, blunt and unusually deep.

Color: Grayish-green above. Silver sided. Usually one dark spot behind head.

Distribution: Ascends numerous coastal streams about April to spawn in fresh

water ponds. Sometimes becomes landlocked. Occasionally stocked

in ponds as forage for game fish.

Size: To 15 inches.

61 Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis (Mitchill)

WIDTH OF EYE ( I ) NOT GREATER THAN SNOUT (2) DARK BLUE BACK DARK SPOT

STRONG SERRATIONS

Figure 49

Most closely resembles: Alewife - see description page.

Structure: Very much like Alewife. Major differences are in width of eye and

depth of head and anterior part of body. Blueback Herring is

less heavily built forward than Alewife.

Color: Similar to Alewife except for back which is dark blue in Herring.

When fish are split open, lining of body cavity in Herring is black-

ish, in Alewife it is whitish.

Distribution: Similar to Alewife.

Size: Similar to Alewife.

Characteristics: Anadromous like the Alewife but Blueback Herring spawns a

little later.

62 American Shad Alosa sapidissima (Wilson)

SEVERAL SCALES LARGE, DARK SPOTS EASILY REMOVABLE

ABOUT ABOUT 60 21 RAYS STRONG LENGTHWISE SCALES SERRATIONS

Figure 50

Most closely resembles: Blueback Herring. (See description). Most apparent

differences are in jaw lengths, dark body spots,

number of anal rays. Also, upper outline of shad's

lower jaw very slightly concave without a sharp angle.

Herring and Alewife are deeply concave with a pro-

nounced angle.

Structure: Upper and lower jaws of equal length. Saw-like keel an belly mid-

line. About 21 anal fin rays - about 60 scales in lengthwise

series. Scales easily removable. Deeply forked tail.

Color: Bluish above. Sides white and silvery. A dark spot behind opercle

usually followed by several more.

Distribution: Not widely distributed. Ascends some coastal streams in spring

to spawn in fresh waters. Utilizes streams for spawning unlike

Alewife which spawns in ponds.

Size: Larger than Alewife. May reach 30 inches and up to 7-8 pounds.

Characteristics: Eagerly sought as sport fish. Upstream migrants will some-

times strike at flies, spoons, etc. Popular in the Connec-

ticut River.

63 FISHING HINTS FOR AMERICAN SHAD

Shad fishing in Massachusetts is limited almost exclusively to the

Connecticut River from the Connecticut State line north to the Holyoke Dam.

During April and May the species migrates upriver from the sea to spawn.

During their upstream travels, shad feed very little but anglers have dis- covered that occasionally they may be induced to strike at a properly presented fly, tiny spinner, or wobbler. Usually, finding the fish is no problem.

Anglers customarily wade into the river or take to boats until the schooling fish can be seen. Patience is then called into play. Correct technique described by many successful anglers calls for drifting a wisp of fly or small flashing lure delicately into the water just upstream of the fish. The leader is weighted with split shot sufficiently that the lure maintains a slight fluttering motion at about mid-depth. Care should be taken not to cast into the fish as they will not be enticed. The secret is to permit the fly or lure to be activated by gentle undercurrents at the head of a pool holding fish. Often at first, the shad will ignore it but if one maintains position, eventually a shad will mash into it quite unexpectedly. The ensuing struggle is one of the most exciting of angling experiences.

64 CATOSTOMLDAE FAMILY - SUCKERS

I (a) Lateral line present and with less than 80 longitudinal scales;

snout not pointed: - White Sucker (page 66)

1 (b) Lateral line present but with more than 80 longitudinal scales ;

snout pointed and extending well beyond mouth: - Longnose Sucker

(page 67)

2 (a) Lateral line absent; about 39-43 scales in lengthwise series;

depth of body contained about 3-1; times in length: - Creek Chubsucker

(page 68)

2 (b) Lateral line absent; about 36-38 scales in lengthwise series;

depth of body contained about 3 times in length: - Lake Chubsucker

(page 69)

65 White Sucker ,• Catostomus commersoni (Lacepede)

SCALES SMALLER AND CROWDED NEAR HEAD SLENDER, CYLINDRICAL BODY

BLUNT SNOUT

55-75 LATERAL LINE SCALES

Figure 51

Most closely resembles: Longnose Sucker - but differences in snout length

make identification easy.

Structure: Body rather slender and cylindrical; head blunt and scaleless;

back margin of lower lip not back as far as nostril; from 55-75

lateral line scales; scales are smaller and more crowded toward

head; tip of upper lip separated from snout by deep groove.

Color: Dorsally olive or brownish. Sides somewhat silvery;- belly white.

Male in spawning season develops rosy lateral band. Young are more

brownish overall usually with blotches.

Distribution: One of most abundant species - common in nearly every Massa-

chusetts pond and stream.

Size: To 24 inches.

Habits: Usually migrates into streams in early spring to spawn. Looked upon

as a trash fish with but little attraction to the angler.

66 Longnose Sucker Catostomus catostomus (Forster)

90-115 LATERAL LINE SCALES

SNOUT POINTED, EXTENDS WELL BEYOND MOUTH

Figure 52

Most closely resembles: White Sucker. See description.

Structure: Lateral line with 90-115 scales; long, pointed or bulbous snout

extends well forward of mouth; head depressed (wider than deep

through the central portion); lower lip large and flaring.

Color: Similar to White Sucker. Mature specimens with red stripe along

side.

Distribution: Rare in Massachusetts waters. Reported from the Connecticut

River and a few other streams.

Size: To 30 inches.

67 Creek Chubsucker Erimyzon oblangus (Mitchill)

HUMPED BACK

DARK LONGITUDINAL BAND PRESENT IN JUVENILES

(5&-TH - ÖF BODY CONTAINED ABOUT 31/4 TIMES IN LENGTH NO ...... LATERAL LINE

39-43 SCALES IN LENGTHWISE SERIES

Figure 53

Most closely resembles: Very much like Lake Chubsucker - number of lengthwise

scales differs, and body is more elongate, less com-

pressed than Erimyzon sucetta.

Structure: Lateral line not present; 39-43 scales in lengthwise series; body

oblong, somewhat humped back; depth of body contained about 3-

times in length. Relatively small sucker-like mouth.

Color: Dark olive above, sides lighter, more golden. Edges of scales darker

giving a cross-hatched appearance. Belly whitish. Sides of young fish

with dark longitudinal band, often very pronounced. In older fish,

band tends to became broken or blotchy. Adults usually with faint,

narrow vertical bars.

Distribution: Fairly common in many ponds and streams throughout the state.

Size: To 10 inches, usually 3-6 inches.

68 Lake Chubsucker / Erimyzon sucetta (Lacepede)

OLDER FISH WITH BROKEN LONGITUDINAL BAND AND FAINT VERTICAL BARRING DEPTH OF BODY CONTAINED ABOUT 3 TIMES IN LENGTH NO LATERAL LINE

36-38 SCALES IN LENGTHWISE SERIES

Figure 54

Most closely resembles: Creek Chubsucker. See description.

Structure: Very similar to Creek Chubsucker, but body somewhat deeper, blockier

Depth of body is contained about 3 times in length. Scales rather

large with 36-38 in lengthwise series. Lateral line lacking.

Humped back in larger fish though small fish are quite slender.

Relatively small sucker-like mouth.

Color: Same as Creek Chubsucker.

Distribution: Probably introduced. Reported from some ponds and streams.

Size: May reach 10 inches, usually 3-6 inches.

69 GYPRINIDAE FAMILY - THE MINNOWS

1 (a) Dorsal fin with long base, with more than 11 soft rays; dorsal and

anal fins each with a strong spinous ray: - 2

1 (b) Dorsal fin with short base, with less than 10 soft rays; no spinous

ray in dorsal or anal fin: - 3

2 (a) Upper jaw with 2 barbels on each side, lateral line with more than

32 scales: - Carp (page 76)

2 (b) No barbels on upper jaw, lateral line scales less than 30: - Goldfish

(page 77)

3 (a) Upper lip connected with the skin of snout by a bridge of tissue across

which the premaxillary groove does not pass: - 4

Figure 55

3 (b) Upper lip separated from skin of snout by the deep premaxillary groove

continuous across the midline: - 5

Figure 56

70 4 (a) Snout projects far beyond the horizontal mouth: - Longnose Dace

(page 78 )

Figure 57

4 (b) Snout barely projects beyond somewhat oblique mouth: - Blacknose Dace (page 79 )

Figure 58

5 (a) Maxillary with a barbel, (requires close scrutiny to observe since

barbel often hidden in groove above upper jaw) - pull out upper

jaw for observation: - 6

Figure 59

5 (b) Maxillary without a barbel: - 8

71 6 (a) Barbel slender and at, or near, the end of the maxillary: -

Lake Chub (page 80)

Figure 60

6 (b) Barbel often flap-lie and located on lower edge of maxillary

well in advance of posterior end (and usually concealed in

groove between maxillary and premaxillary): - 7

Figure 61

7 (a) No dark spot at front base of dorsal fin; dorsal fin has 8

rays and begins over base of pelvic fins, scales large (about

45 in lateral line) and bright silvery, lateral line almost

straight: - Fallfish (page 81)

Figure 62

72 7 (b) Dark spot present at front base of dorsal (indistinct in young);

body stout; scales smaller (about 50-60 in lateral line),

lateral line decurved at front part of body: - Creek Chub

(page 82 )

Figure 63

8 (a) Lateral line scales more than 70; body with 2 black lateral bands:-

Northern Redbelly Dace (page 83 )

8 (b) Lateral line scales fewer than 55, body without 2 black lateral bands:

9 (a) Lateral line much decurved; abdomen behind pelvic fins with a scale-

less, fleshy keel; anal fin curved like a sickle: - Golden Shiner

(page 84 )

Figure 64

9 (b) Lateral line not greatly decurved; abdomen behind pelvic fins

rounded over and scaled; anal fin scarcely sickle shaped: - 10

73 10 (a) First obvious dorsal ray more or less thickened; separated by

membrane from first principal ray (see Figure A) and with a

thicker coating of dermal tissue; dorsal fin usually with dark

horizontal bar: lateral line scales more than 41: Fathead Minnow

(page 85 )

Fig. A

Fig. B.

Figure 65

10 (b) First obvious dorsal ray a thin splint, closely attached to first

principal ray (see Figure B) and with a thinner covering of dermal

tissue; no dark lateral bar across dorsal fin; lateral line

scales fewer than 40: - 11

11 (a) Anal rays 9 to 12, rarely 8: - 12

11 (b) Anal rays 7 or 8, rarely 9: - 13

12 (a) Origin of dorsal fin opposite or slightly forward of origin of

pelvic fins; anal rays usually 9 (rarely 8-10): - Common Shiner

(page 86 )

12 (b) Origin of dorsal fin distinctly behind insertion of pelvics; anal

rays usually 10-13 (rarely 9): - Emerald Shiner (page 87)

13 (a) Base of caudal fin usually with large, conspicuous, well-defined

black spot; dorsal and anal fins of adult more deeply falcate

than any other species of shiner: - Spottail Shiner (page 08 )

Figure 66

74 13 (b) Base of caudal fin lacks conspicuous, well-defined black spot;

dorsal and anal fins not deeply falcate: - 14

14 (a) Anal rays typically 7; body straw color with shining black lateral

band from snout through eye to tail, this includes the edge of

lower jaw: - Bridle Shiner (page 89)

14 (b) Anal rays typically 8; body not straw color and lacking full-

length shining, black lateral band: - Mimic Shiner (page 90)

75 Carp Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus

DORSAL SPINE 35-39 LATERAL LINE SCALES LONG DORSAL RN

SUCKER- LIKE MOUTH

2 BARBELS

LARGE, UNIFORM ANAL SPINE SCALES THROUGHOUT BODY

Figure 67

Most closely resembles: Goldfish - but Goldfish lacks barbels.

Structure: Body hump-backed with large, uniform scales throughout. Lateral

line with 25-38 scales. (rare individuals are scaleless or

partially scaled - "Leather Carp" and "Mirror Carp'). Dorsal

and anal fins with one serrated spinous ray. Mouth somewhat

sucker-like, upper jaw with two fleshy barbels on each side.

Dorsal fin with long base, usually 17-21 rays. Anal fin has

5-6 soft rays.

Color: Dorsally a r;olden-olive. Sides and belly more yellowish.

Distribution: Introduced. Reported from Connecticut River drainage, Taunton

River system, Spy Pond, Lower M7stic Lake, Lake Quinsigamond

and elsewhere. Fairly common in western Massachusetts. Un-

common in north central Massachusetts and in Barnstable and

Plymouth counties.

Size: A large fish - may reach 3 feet or more.

Characteristics: An omnivorous bottom feeder. Can tolerate polluted waters.

A prolific spawner. An undesirable rough fish which is

very difficult to eradicate.

76 Goldfish Carrassius auratus (Linnaeus)

26-29 LATERAL DORSAL SPINE LINE SCALES LONG DORSAL FIN

NO BARBELS

ANAL SPINE

Figure 68

Most closely resembles: Carp - but Carp has barbels on upper jaw.

Structure: Body with rather large, uniform scales. Lateral line has

26-29 scales. Long dorsal fin with more than 15 rays. Dorsal

and anal fins with one serrated spinous ray. Mouth rather

oblique, upper jaw lacking barbels.

Color: May be scarlet, red, pink, silvery, brawn, white, gray, or black,

or combination of colors when introduced as domestics. Usually

reverts to natural colors of golden-olivaceous; becoming lighter

on sides and belly.

Distribution: Introduced. Not widely distributed. Stocks originate from

illegally liberated pets. Most common in ponds close to

urban areas.

Size: To about 15 inches.

77 Longnose Dace Rhinichthys cataractae (Valenciennes)

BLACKISH SPOT ABOUT 65 LATERAL ON OPERCLE LINE SCALES

SNOUT PROJECTS NO GROOVE 04, 0 0 •• .„ " #`' • $$

4mirags HORIZONTAL - MOUTH \ USUALLY BARBEL 7 RAYS

Figure 69

Most closely resembles: Blacknose Dace, but it has shorter snout and

oblique mouth.

Structure: Snout projects well beyond the horizontal mouth. Body elongate

and cylindrical. Maxillary barbel present. Dorsal fin has

eight rays, anal usually with seven. About 65 lateral line

scales.

Color: Generally olivaceous, darker above, lighter below. Numerous

scattered dusky scales on back and sides give mottled appearance.

Opercle often with a blackish spot.

Distribution: Common in many streams. Reported from Taunton, Westfield,

Millers and Squannacook River drainages.

Size: To 5 inches.

78 Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus (Hermann)

ABOUT 64 LATERAL LINE SCALES DARK LATERAL BAND

NO GROOVE

SNOUT PROJECTS VERY LITTLE BARBEL \ USUALLY 7 RAYS PELVIC ORIGIN IS FORWARD OF DORSAL

Figure 70

Most closely resembles: Longnose Dace - but Longnose has snout that pro-

trudes well beyond its horizontal mouth.

Structure: Snout projects very little beyond somewhat oblique mouth.

Maxillary barbel present. Lateral line with about 64 scales.

Dorsal and anal fins usually with seven rays. Body elongate.

Color: Blackish above with some scales irregularly darker. A black band

passes from snout through eye and along sides of body. Bottom

margin of dark stripe well defined with paler streak below. Belly

whitish or silvery.

Distribution: Common in many streams. Reported from Westfield, Millers,

Quaboag and Squannacook River drainages.

Size: To 3 inches.

79 Lake Chub Hybopsis plumbea (Agassiz)

DORSAL BEGINS OVER SCALES SMALLER , LAST PELVIC RAY MORE CROWDED CONCAVE DORSAL FIN FORWARD NNNN /

FREMAXILLARY GROOVE

SLENDER BARBEL ABOUT 60 USUALLY LATERAL LINE 8 RAYS SCALES

Figure 71

Most closely resembles: Creek Chub - but Creek Chub has flaplike barbel

located well forward of posterior end of maxillary.

Also, dorsal in Creek Chub has distinct black spot

near front of base.

Structure: Head flattish above; snout broad and separated from mouth by

premaxillary groove; mouth large and oblique; slender barbel

at, or near, end of maxillary; scales small, crowded forward

and on back; about 60 scales on lateral line (extremes 50-60);

dorsal and anal fins usually with eight rays; free margin of

dorsal is concave and leading ray of dorsal begins above last

pelvic ray.

Color: Dusky or lead colored above. Silvery sides. Obscure dusky band

through eye around snout. Fins plain.

Distribution: Rare. Inhabits cold water streams and lakes in common with

trout. Reported from Westfield River drainage.

Size: To 7 inches.

80 Fall fish Semotilus corporalis (Mitchill)

DORSAL BEGINS OVER BASE OF NO DARK SPOT ABOUT 45 PELVIC FIN LATERAL LINE SCALES

FLAP-LIKE BARBEL FORWARD OF END OF MAXILLARY USUALLY 8 RAYS LATERAL LINE ALMOST STRAIGHT

Figure 72

Most closely resembles: Creek Chub - but dorsal of Creek Chub begins behind

base of pelvic fins - and usually has dark spot at

base of dorsal fin. Lateral line nearly straight in

Fallfish.

Structure: Body with large scales, not crowded near head. Lateral line

almost straight with about 45 scales. Dorsal fin begins over base

of pelvic fins. Anal fin usually with eight rays. Barbel is

flap-like and placed well forward of end of maxillary.

Color: Steel-blue dorsally. Bright silvery sides and belly. Males in

spring with belly and lower fins reddish. No spots on fins.

Distribution: Abundant throughout state in ponds and streams.

Size: To 18 inches.

Characteristics: Not infrequently caught on flies by trout fishermen.

81 Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus (Mitchill)

DECURVED LATERAL LINE WITH 55-65 SCALES DORSAL SCALES CROWDED AND BEGINS DARK SPOT SMALLER NEAR BEHIND USUALLY HEAD PELVIC RAYS

DEEP GROOVE

FLAP-LIKE BARBEL FORWARD OF END OF MAXILLARY USUALLY 8 RAYS

Figure 73

Most closely resembles: Fallfish and Lake Chub. Fallfish has nearly straight

lateral line and dorsal fin originates over base of

pelvic fin. Lake Chub has slender, not flaplike,

barbel placed at end of maxillary and free margin of

dorsal fin is concave. Both Fallfish and Lake Chub

lack dorsal spot.

Structure: Body stout. Mouth large, oblique. Scales rather small, con-

siderably smaller and crowded near head - an lateral line they

number 55-65. Lateral line decurved anteriorly. Dorsal fin

usually with seven rays, anal with eight. Dorsal fin begins

behind pelvic fin base. Small flap-like barbel is located forward

of end of maxillary.

Color: Dark spot at front base of dorsal fin (faint in young). Dusky-bluish

dorsally. Dusky to silvery below. Belly creamy-rosy tinted in males

in spring.

Distribution: Fairly common in some streams. Reported from Westfield River

drainage.

Size: To 11 inches.

82 Northern Redbelly Dace Chrosomus eos Cope

SCALES VERY SMALL ABOUT 77 IN LATERAL SERIES

LATERAL LINE USUALLY ABSENT GROOVE

SMALL MOUTH

NO BARBEL 2 LATERAL BLACK BANDS USUALLY 8 RAYS

Figure 74

Most closely resembles: Small Blacknose Dace. But Blacknose has no pre-

maxillary groove - and does have maxillary barbel.

Structure: Body rather slender, head pointed. Scales very small with about

77 in lateral series. Lateral line usually absent, occasionally

incomplete. No barbels. Anal fin with about eight rays.

Color: Two black lateral bands. Upper is narrow and straight. Lower band

encircles snout, crosses opercles, curves downward and extends to

tail. Brownish-black dorsally, with occasional black spots. Silvery

between lateral bands. Belly yellowish except in spring when

brilliant red and fins yellowish.

Distribution: Rare stream species. Reported from Deerfield River system.

Size: To 21/2 inches.

83 Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas

45-52 LATERAL LINE SCALES LATERAL LINE DEEPLY DECURVED

SMALL POINTED HEAD

NO BARBELS SICKLE SHAPED 11-15 RAYS \ \*%*SCALELESS KEEL BEFORE ANAL FIN

Figure 75

Most closely resembles: Several of shiners. But no other minnow in Massa-

chusetts has a scaleless, fleshy keel between pelvics

and anal fin.

Structure: Deep bodied. Unusually small, pointed head. No barbels. Lateral

line with 45-52 scales and deeply decurved. Anal fin decidedly

falcate (sickle-shaped) and with 11-15 (usually 13) rays. Mid-

line of belly a scaleless keel between pelvics and anal fin.

Color: Dorsally greenish. Sides silvery with bright golden reflections.

Fins yellowish. Young less than three inches slender and with dusky

lateral band.

Distribution: Abundant in ponds and streams throughout the state.

Size: To 12 inches.

Characteristics: Makes ideal bait for bass, pickerel, pike.

84 Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas Rafinesque

1ST DORSAL RAY DORSAL FIN DIRECTLY THICKENED AND OVER SEPARATED USUALLY 43-47 LATERAL PELVIC LINE SCALES

DARK BAR

MOUTH SMALL, TERMINAL OBLIQUE

NO BARBELS USUALLY LATERAL 7 RAYS LINE INCOMPLETE

Figure 76

Most closely resembles: Creek Chub - but Creek Chub has maxillary barbel

and dorsal fin begins behind pelvic fin.

Structure: Body short and deep, particularly the head. Mouth small, terminal

and decidedly oblique. No barbels. Dorsal fin with nine rays,

anal usually with seven. Dorsal fin is directly over pelvics and

first ray is about 1/2 length, more or less thickened, separated

from first well-developed ray by membrane and having a thicker

coating of dermal tissue. Lateral line incomplete and with about

43-47 scales.

Color: Dusky-olive. Adults with dark horizontal bar nearly halfway up dorsal

fin. Males in spring with black head and large tubercles on snout.

Inconspicuous dusky lateral band may occur especially on and preceding

caudal peduncle.

Distribution: Rare in Massachusetts. A popular bait species elsewhere and

may have been introduced here as such.

Size: To 21/2 inches.

85 Common Shiner Notropis cornutus (Mitchill)

37-41 LATERAL LINE SCALES

LARGE HEAD BLUNT SNOUT

USUALLY 9 RAYS SCALES ON NOT STRONGLY FALCATE SIDES ARE DEEPER THAN WIDE COMPLETELY SCALED

Figure 77

Most closely resembles: Probably Creek Chub. Look for barbels, dorsal spot

and anal fin with eight rays in Creek Chub.

Structure: Body short, deep. Head large, bluntish snout. No barbels.

Lateral line slightly curved and with 37-41 scales. Scales on

sides always deeper than wide and becoming more crowded between

head and dorsal fin. Dorsal fin usually with eight rays, anal with

nine. Dorsal fin inserted over pelvics. Anal fin slightly falcate.

Color: Dark steel-blue or olivaceous above. Lower sides and belly silvery.

Males in spring have rosy belly and lower fins.

Distribution: Abundant throughout state in ponds and streams.

Size: To 6-8 inches.

Characteristics: A very common bait species.

Emerald Shiner Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque

DORSAL FIN ORIGINATES BEHIND PELVIC ABOUT 38 ORIGIN LATERAL LINE SCALES 8 RAYS

LARGE EYE 444 1441 Ng

NO BARBELS USUALLY I I RAYS

SLENDER BODY

Figure 78

Most closely resembles: Mimic Shiner. But anal fin of Mimic Shiner has about

eight rays and body is somewhat thicker, heavier.

Dorsal fin does not originate so decisively behind

pelvic origin.

Structure: Body long, slender, back not elevated. Head blunt, conic. Eye

large. Slightly decurved lateral line with about 38 scales. Dorsal

fin with eight rays, anal with 10-13 rays - (usually 11). Dorsal

origin is distinctly behind pelvic origin.

Color: Translucent green above, bright silvery sides with an emerald-green band

when viewed from some angles. Faint dark vertebral line often present.

Distribution: Rare. Reported from Otis Reservoir. May be found in both pond

and stream environments.

Size: To 3-4 inches.

87 Spottail Shiner Notropis hudsonius (Clinton)

USUALLY ABOUT 39 8 RAYS LATERAL LINE SCALES

DORSAL AND ANAL FINS LARGE EYE DEEPLY FALCATE

NO OFTEN MILK WHITE BARBELS SPOT - AT BASE - USUALLY OF TAIL 8 RAYS

Figure 79

Most closely resembles: Young Spottails may resemble Emerald Shiner. Adults

similar to Common Shiner. But spot at caudal base

plus sickle-like margins of dorsal and anal fins are

distinctive.

Structure: Body rather slender, head blunt. Lateral line only slightly de-

curved forward and with about 39 scales lengthwise. Dorsal and

anal fins usually with eight rays and both more deeply falcate than

any other species of shiner. Eyes large.

Color: Very pale - darker dorsally. Usually with dark spot at base of caudal

fin and often with leading edge milky-white. Silvery, sometimes dusky

sides.

Distribution: Common statewide in ponds, streams. Often used as bait.

Size: To 5-6 inches.

88 Bridle Shiner Notropis bifrenatus (Cope)

LATERAL LINE ABOUT 36 SCALES INCOMPLETE I N LATERAL SERIES

SNOUT SHORTER THAN EYE

USUALLY 7 RAYS BLACK LATERAL BAND

Figure 80

Most closely resembles: Mimic Shiner - but anal rays of Mimic are typically

eight, and lateral band if present at all is rather

inconspicuous and not apparent across opercle and

snout.

Structure: One of the smallest species in Massachusetts. Slender body. Mouth

oblique. Snout blunt and shorter than eye. Lateral line developed

only for short distance. About 36 scales in lateral series. Dorsal

fin starts above or slightly forward of pelvics. Anal fin usually

with seven rays.

Color: Straw colored, the scales brown-edged above. A shining black lateral

band from snout through eye to tail; this includes edge of lower jaw;

an orange band above this on snout; area below black band is silvery.

Distribution: Common in many ponds and streams throughout state.

Size: 111 to 2 inches.

89 Mimic Shiner Notropis volucellus (Cope)

33-38 LATERAL LINE SCALES

-• -$41AZ;Z -4, *V41:44tO 0wozi- • .''' ef.o.o.-...... • --...-., __ oiI ----- "ON I '-'- '•

NO USUALLY BARBELS 8 RAYS

A. ANTERIOR LATERAL LINE SCALES MORE THAN TWICE AS HIGH AS EXPOSED WIDTH

Figure 81

Most closely resembles: Bridle Shiner - see description.

Structure: Small slender fish. Mouth small. Lateral line scales 33-38.

Anal fin usually with eight rays. Lateral line complete. Scales

at anterior end of lateral line are more than twice as high as

exposed width (Figure A).

Color: Dorsally olivaceous or bluish-green overlaid with silvery. Silvery

below. May have ill defined, often inconspicuous lateral band, not

noticable on opercle or snout.

Distribution: Rare. Reported from Connecticut River drainage.

Size: To 2-1I inches.

90 ESOCIDAE FAMILY - THE PIKES

1 (a) Opercle scaled only an upper half - Northern Pike (page 92 )

OPERCLE

Figure 82

1 (b) Opercle completely scaled 2

2 (a) Adult with dark vertical bars; branchiostegals usually 11-13;

scales in lateral line about 105; size rarely over 12 inches:

Redfin Pickerel (page 94 )

2 (b) Adult with chain-like pattern on sides; branchiostegals usually

14-16; scales in lateral line about 125; size larger (to 28

inches): - Chain Pickerel (page 96 )

91 Northern Pike Esox lucius Linnaeus

ABOUT 123 LATERAL FINS LINE SCALES SPOTTED

5 PORES 041 LOWER SIDE OF EACH LOWER HALF OF LOWER JAW OPERCLE SCALELESS SIDES WITH IRREGULAR ROWS OF YELLOWISH SPOTS

Figure 83

Most closely resembles: Chain Pickerel, but entire opercle in Pickerel is

scaled and sensory pores beneath lower jaw number

only four.

Structure: Lower half of opercles scaleless. About 123 lateral line scales.

Sensory pores beneath lower jaw number five.

Color: Dorsally olive or brownish-green, sides greenish-gray with irregular

rows of yellowish spots. Belly yellowish-white, fins spotted and

streaked.

Distribution: Introduced. Rare. Occasionally reported Connecticut River,

Cheshire Reservoir and western Massachusetts ponds.

Size: To 3 feet.

92 FISHING HINTS FOR NORTHERN PIKE

A voracious species, this larger version of the Chain Pickerel has been introduced into a few Massachusetts waters. It has not been favored in most waters because of its territorial habits and size which severely limit the numbers of pike that a given body of water may support.

Fish for the Northern much the same as the Chain Pickerel. Favorite haunts are weed beds, sunken logs, brush or boulders. Edges of bars or drop-offs are also good, particularly in mid-summer when the Northern will

be in deeper water (10 - 20 feet). Bait casting rods employing large nickel

•or red-and-white spoons are probably the best. Spinners with bait or pork rind also bring results and live shiners or yellow perch in the five-to-eight inch range fished in the same habitats will catch fish. In bait casting, concentrate on the edges and pockets of weed beds especially. Early morning in summer, just after sun-up is one of the best times to fish the shallows where

the Northern roams seeking forage fish. One technique that is often effective: raise the rod as soon as the lure hits the water when casting. This causes

the spoon to flutter or dart close to or on the water's surface and it resembles a wounded or startled bait fish. This method frequently proves

irresistable to a lurking Northern.

93 Redfin Pickerel Esox americanus americanus Gmelin

ABOUT 104-114 LATERAL LINE SCALES SIDES SNOUT ARE BARRED SHORT AND BROAD

4 PORES ON LOWER SIDE OF DARK BAR OPERCLE ALWAYS EACH LOWER JAW COMPLETELY POINTS SCALED OBLIQUELY TO REAR

Figure 84

Most closely resembles: Chain Pickerel. The Redfin is noticibly darker in

coloration with vertical barring on back and sides -

often with reddish lower fins. Dark sub-ocular bar

always slants downward to rear - Chain Pickerel have

chain-like markings except in young under 10 inches -

but those less than 10 inches have sub-ocular "tear-drop"

slanting forward or nearly vertical. Both hybridize

readily and such hybrids are not easily identified.

Redfin rarely exceeds 12 inches. Any fish exceeding

12 inches and with chain-like reticulations is most

certainly not a Redfin.

Structure: Rather short and broad snout, its length much less than distance from

back of eye to margin or opercle. Opercles completely scaled. Sen-

sory pores on lower side of lower jaw number four (Figure A).

Lateral line scales usually 104-114.

94 Redfin Pickerel (continued)

Color: Dark green. Sides have about 20 blackish vertical bars, sometimes

rather mottled. Dark tear-drop bar below eye points down and

obliquely to rear. Abdominal fins often reddish.

Distribution: Common in ponds and streams throughout the state though more

of a stream inhabitant than the Chain Pickerel.

Size: To about 12 inches.

95 Chain Pickerel Esox niger Lesueur

ABOUT 114-131 LATERAL LINE SCALES

SNOUT LONG AND NARROW

4 PORES ON LOWER SIDE OF LOWER BLACK OPERCLE TEARDROP JAW COMPLETELY CHAIN- LIKE ICU LAT IONS NEARLY SCALED RET VERTICAL

Figure 85

Most closely resembles: Redfin Pickerel and Northern Pike (see descriptions).

Structure: Snout long and slender, its length greater than distance from

back of eye to margin of opercle. Opercles completely scaled.

Four sensory pores an lower side of lower jaw. Lateral line

scales about 114-131.

Color: Dorsally olive-green. Sometimes blackish; sides lighter, usually

yellowish-green; belly whitish. Chain-like markings on sides

(vertically barred in young fish less than 10 inches). Black "tear-

drop under eye and slanting forward in young but progressing rearward

as fish matures. In adults, tear-drop is nearly vertical, occasionally

may point slightly backward.

Distribution: Very abundant in ponds and streams statewide.

Size: To about 28 inches. Adults usually 12-24 inches.

Characteristics: A voracious feeder. Preys heavily upon smaller fish of other

species. Continues to feed through winter leading to heavy

harvests by ice fishermen.

96 FISHING HINTS FOR CHAIN PICKEREL

The Chain Pickerel is one of the most heavily harvested fish in

Massachusetts waters. It inhabits most fresh water ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams and is exploited the year around by a wide variety of tackle and techniques. Typical habitat, however, is relatively shallow, weedy waters, and because its habitat varies so little, it is never difficult to locate. In addition to these advantages, it bites readily at all seasons and attains a fairly large size - two factors which contribute to its popularity.

Among the many methods used to capture this bread-and-butter species, live bait fishing and bait-casting with metal lures probably account for nearly all fish taken. Live shiners or other minnow species cast to the edges of weed beds with a bobber to maintain the bait at desired depth is a favorite method. This is also productive for Largemouth Bass. Sudden disappearance of the bobber signals a bite. The pickerel usually will then move off for some distance before stopping to devour its prey. When the bobber moves away

for the second time, strike to set the hook.

The red and white spoon commonly known as a daredevil is deadly on

pickerel. Drift fish the weedy shorelines or edges of other cover casting

this lure right up to the edge or whenever possible, into the cover. Like the

Northern Pike, the Chain Pickerel often seeks deeper waters off bars and points

of land during midsummer. Fish for them in 10-20 feet of water in such

locations during mid-day.

97 ATHERINIDAE FAMILY - SILVERSIDES

Atlantic Silverside Menidia menidia (Linnaeus)

SPINY DORSAL SOFT DORSAL ABOUT 39 LATERAL LINE SCALES

SHORT HEAD

SICKLE SHAPED N ANAL FIN NARROW, ONE DARK BAND BORDERING STIFF RAY ABOVE SILVER SIDES

Figure 86

Most closely resembles: American Smelt is similar in size and color but Smelt

has only a soft dorsal fin and also an adipose fin.

Structure: Small, slender fish with short head. A smaller and separate spiny

dorsal fin precedes soft dorsal. Anal fin with first ray stiff

and margin of ray decidedly falcate. No adipose fin.

Color: Dorsally green with top of head, nose and chin dusky. Upper sides

thickly speckled with dark brown. Narrow dark band borders above

silvery sides. Belly white.

Distribution: Common in brackish eastern Massachusetts coastal streams.

Reported from Taunton and North River systems.

Size: To 5 inches.

98 Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus)

DORSAL DIRECTLY 39 OR FEWER ABOVE SCALES IN ANAL FIN LATERAL LINE

SCALES ON TOP OF HEAD ROUND CAUDAL FIN

DEEP BODY ROBUST CAUDAL PEDUNCLE

1 0 OR II RAYS

Figure 87 Most closely resembles: Banded and Striped Killifishes. But adult Mummichog

lacks noticeable black barring present in Killifishes

and deeper caudal peduncle plus more rounded, nearly

spherical caudal fin are distinctive.

Structure: Head scaled on top. Body stout, about 44 as deep as long; thickest

just back of pectorals. Small tilted mouth with lower jaw the longer. I No lateral line. Large scales have 39 or fewer in a lateral series

Dorsal fin set directly above anal. Dorsal with 11 rays, anal with

10 or 11. A deep caudal peduncle and a very round caudal fin.

Color: Dull green above. Males with numerous white or yellow spots on sides,

regularly scattered. Sides also with narrow, irregular silvery bars

made up of silvery dots. Females are olive-green and may have about 15

dark crossbars. Young fish always with dark cross bands.

Distribution: Present mostly in fresh and brackish streams in eastern Massa-

chusetts, occasionally in ponds. Reported from lower Mystic

Lake, Merrimack, North, Taunton and southeastern coastal river

systems.

Size: To about 5 inches.

Characteristics: A hardy bait species. Can survive out of water if placed in

wet moss or mud.

99 Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanus (LeSueur)

DORSAL SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF 42 OR MORE SCALES ANAL FIN I N LATERAL SERIES 13 RAYS

SCALES ON TOP OF HEAD SLIGHTLY

-FAN - SHAPED TAIL

II RAYS

Figure 88

Most closely resembles: Striped Killifish, but Striped usually has only 31-38

scales in lateral series, and usually about 12 vertical

bars (female adults have 2 or 3 longitudinal stripes

along sides). Striped is limited to coastal streams.

Structure: Top of head scaled. Small tilted mouth with lower jaw the longer.

Body not robust, stout, but rather slender and fusiform, not hump-

backed. Caudal peduncle not exceptionally deep, caudal fin fan-

shaped. No lateral line. Usually 42 or more scales in lateral series.

Dorsal fin begins slightly ahead of anal fin.

Color: Olive with silvery sides. Back sometimes spotted. Young always with

black bars. Male with about 20 silvery vertical bars - female with

15-20 dark vertical bars.

Distribution: Abundant throughout state in ponds and streams.

Size: To 4 inches.

100 Striped Killifish Fundulus ma'alis (dalbaum)

1 2 RAYS ABOUT 36 SCALES MALES USUALLY WITH IN LATERAL SERIES BLACK SPOT ON DORSAL MARGIN SCALES ON TOP OF HEAD

-SLIGHTLY FAN-SHAPED TAIL

ABOUT 12 10 RAYS VERTICAL BARS

Figure 89

Most closely resembles: Banded Killifish - see description.

Structure: Top of head scaled. No lateral line. About 36 scales in lateral

series (extremes 31-38). Dorsal fin usually with 12 rays, anal

usually with 10. Slightly fan-shaped caudal fin. Body fusi-

form - not robust.

Color: Dark olivaceous above, silvery to whitish below. Males with about 12

dark vertical bands; females with two or three dark longitudinal

stripes along sides.

Distribution: Rare. Limited to eastern coastal streams. Usually in brackish

waters. Reported from Taunton River drainage.

Size: To 6 inches.

101 Slimy Sculpin Cottus cognatus Richardson

LATERAL LINE BODY INCOMPLETE SCALELESS BROAD FLATTENED HEAD

\ PELVIC FIN BELOW PECTORAL

Figure 90

Most closely resembles: Grubby Sculpin, but Grubby Sculpin has a complete

lateral line. Source is also a key - Grubby is found

only in brackish coastal streams. Slimy in cold, in-

land streams only.

Structure: Body without scales. Head broad and flattened. No barbels present.

Mouth large. Lateral line is incomplete. Pelvic fins placed below

large, fan-like pectorals. Second dorsal with about 16 rays.

Color: Brown with darker mottlings on sides and fins.

Distribution: Common in many cold fresh water streams - usually in association

with trout. Reported from Westfield, Millers, Squannacook and

Merrimack River systems.

Size: Up to 3 inches.

102 Grubby Sculpin Myoxocephalus aeneus (Mitchill)

9 SPINES

SPINES 13-14 RAYS ON HEAD

7 NO 7 LATERAL BARBELS LINE COMPLETE

10 OR I I RAYS

Figure 91

Most closely resembles: Slimy Sculpin - see description.

Structure: Body without scales. Head large and with ridges and spines. No

barbels present. Mouth large. Lateral line complete. First

dorsal fin with 9 spines, second with 13-14 rays. Anal fin with

10-11 rays. Pelvic fins placed below large, fan-like pectorals.

Color: Usually gray or greenish-gray above. Belly pale. Dark saddle-like

shadings or barring on sides. Fins mottled.

Distribution: Rare. Limited to brackish coastal streams in eastern Massa-

chusetts.

Size: To about 6 inches.

103 Yellow Perch Perca flavescens (Mitchill) ABOUT 13 SPINES

LATERAL LINE SCALES 70 OR LESS

CHEEKS SCALED SERRATED MARGIN OF 6-8 DARK \ PREOPERCLE BANDS ON SIDE 2 ANAL SPINES

1 SPINE AND 5 RAYS IN PELVIC FIN Figure 92

Most closely resembles: Adults should not be confused with any other species.

Small perch can be distinguished from darters by saw-

toothed margin on pre-opercle.

Structure: No canine teeth. Saw-toothed margin on pre-opercle. Complete lateral

line with 70 scales or less. First dorsal with about 13 spines.

Pelvic fin with one spine and five rays; anal with two spines.

Color: Dorsally olive-green. Sides greenish-golden yellow. Belly pale. Pelvic

fins usually orange. Six to eight broad dark saddle bands cross back

and sides.

Distribution: Extremely abundant. Present in most ponds and many streams

throughout state.

Size: To 16 inches.

Characteristics: A schooling fish. Readily caught on most natural baits the

year around. Prolific - has a tendency to overrun its

environment.

104 Walleye Stizostedion vitreum vitreum (Mitchill)

78 OR MORE LATERAL LINE SCALES BLACK BLOTCH

LARGE MILKY EYE STRONGLY FORKED STRONG CANINE TEETH

CHEEK SCALELESS SAW- TOOTHED MILK-WHITE MARGIN MARGINS

Figure 92

Most closely resembles: In silhouette similar to Yellow Perch but perch is

yellow with black bands and lacks strong canine teeth

and large glassy eye. Caudal fin in perch not strongly

forked as in walleye.

Structure: Large milky eye. Strong canine teeth. Cheeks and sides of head wit

few or no scales. Saw-toothed margin of pre-opercle. Lateral line

with 78 or more scales. Tail strongly forked.

Color: Dark olive-green above usually with rather indistinct mottling of darker

Sides variable but whitish or silvery, sometimes with brassy flecks.

Belly white with pinkish tints. Posterior base of spinous dorsal fin ha

a pronounced black blotch. Lower lobe of caudal fin and usually of anal

fin have milk-white margins.

Distribution: Introduced. Fairly common in upper Connecticut River and Lake

Chauncy. Stockings uncertain in Quabbin Reservoir, Monponsett

Ponds, Assawompsett Pond and Massapoag Pond, Sharon.

Size: May reach 10 pounds, but usual size is 1-4 pounds.

Characteristics: A schooling fish. Voracious feeder, requiring large quantities

of smaller fish •for food. Very active at night. May be taken

on most types of natural and artificial baits the year around.

105 Swamp Darter Etheostoma fusiforme (Girard)

ABOUT 9 SPINES 43-60 SCALES IN LATERAL SERIES 9-12 RAYS 4 VERTICAL SPOTS DARK BAND N FRONT, BLOTCH BEHIND EYE

• CHEEK SCALED INCOMPLETE 2 SPINES LATERAL LINE

Figure 93

Most closely resembles: Johnny Darter. But Johnny Darter lacks the four vertical

spots on base of tail. In addition, Johnny Darter has

only one anal spine and cheeks usually unscaled.

Structure: Small, slender-bodied fish. Lateral line incomplete and with 43-60

scales in lateral series. First dorsal fin has usually nine spines;

the second has 9-12 rays. Anal fin with two spines. Cheeks are

scaled with smooth, unserrated margins.

Color: Olive-brown, spotted and blotched with brown. A dark band in front and

a blotch behind eye. Base of caudal fin with vertical row of four dots.

Distribution: Rare. Occurs infrequently in eastern coastal lowland ponds and

streams.

Size: To about 2 inches.

106 Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum Rafinesque

9 SPINES

45-52 LATERAL LINE SCALES

CHEEKS UNSCALED W-SHAPED BLOTCHES I ANAL SPINE

Figure 95

Most closely resembles: Swamp Darter - see description.

Structure: Body fusiform, slender. Lateral line usually complete. About

45-52 scales in lateral series. Cheeks not scaled. First dorsal

usually with nine spines. Anal fin with only one spine.

Color: Dorsally olive or straw-yellow with small brown dots and mottlings,

many of which are W-shaped an sides. Head usually darker - fins

barred.

Distribution: Common in ponds and streams throughout the state.

Size: To 3k inches.

107 White Perch Roccus americanus (Gmelin)

9 SPINES DORSAL FINS BARELY OR NEARLY JOINED 50-55 LATERAL LINE SCALES

SCALES ON HEAD AS FAR FORWARD AS NOSTRILS

SAW-TOOTHED MARGIN

Figure 96

Most closely resembles: Largemouth Bass but Largemouth has blackish lateral

band on sides and maxillary extends to a point in back

of eye.

Structure: Body with elevated back, deepest at point immediately before spinous

dorsal fin. First dorsal fin with nine spines, the 2nd with one.

Dorsal fins separated or barely joined. Anal fin with three spines.

Lateral line with 50-55 scales. Head scaled as far forward as

nostrils. Mouth rather small. Pre-opercular margin is rather strongly

saw-toothed.

Color: Dorsally slaty-olivaceous with many greenish, bluish, and silvery re-

flections. Sides lighter, more silvery. Belly whitish.

Distribution: Abundant. Originally present in salt and brackish streams and in

fresh water ponds accessible to the sea. Now landlocked in many

ponds. Present over entire state though most abundant in south-

eastern coastal sections.

Size: Usually 7-12 inches. May reach 16 inches.

Characteristics: A schooling pan fish reaching desirable sizes under ideal con-

ditions but in Massachusetts ponds it frequently becomes over-

abundant and is then a serious competitor to other species.

108 FISHING HINTS FOR WHITE PERCH

Try fishing the inlets or outlets of ponds in May and June. The best bait is grass shrimp, especially if you chum. Next best bet is a small spinner and worm, but keep the lure moving. Even at best, this species is a cautious feeder, and a trailing hook increases your chances.

Because of its schooling habits and sporadic feeding patterns it's a good idea to continue fishing in the area where you take the first fish.

In the evening flies and bugs used on the surface can provide plenty of action. Keep all you catch as there is no limit on this species and records conclusively show that it is definitely underharvested.

As many anglers will attest, fried or broiled white perch fillets rank high on the epicurean scales.

109 Largemouth Bass % Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede)

NEARLY DIVIDED 7-9 61-66 LATERAL SCALE ROWS NO SCALES LINE SCALES

MAXILLARY EXTENDS BEHIND REAR LATERAL BAND MARGIN OF EYE Figure 97

Most closely resembles: Smallmouth Bass. But Smallmouth has scales on bases of

soft dorsal and anal fins; dorsals are not nearly

divided, maxillary does not reach beyond rear margin

of eye.

Structure: Mouth large. A vertical line extended upward from rear margin of

maxillary passes in back of eye. Dorsal fins deeply notched, almost

divided. No scales on bases of soft dorsal and anal fins. Lateral

line scales usually number 61-66; about 7-9 scale rows above lateral

line.

Color: Dorsally dark olive-green to black. Sides lighter green with bronze

or gold sheen. Whitish or silvery on belly. Back with dusky blotching.

Sides with horizontal blackish broken band, more nearly continuous in

young, interrupted in older fish.

Distribution: Introduced. Abundant in ponds and streams throughout the state.

Size: Commonly 10-15 inches. May reach 25 inches and 10 pounds.

110 FISHING HINTS FOR LARGEMOUTH BASS

The Largemouth is common in many warm water ponds and in a few larger, sluggish streams. It is not a native fish yet it does well in our warmer waters where it is most active.

This species does not feed actively in water much below 50°F. Conse- quently, best fishing is in late spring, summer, and early fall. Around June when water temperatures approximate 63°F, the Largemouth is on the spawning beds. This is one of the very best times to fish as the bass are in the shallows and easy to locate, and they usually are willing to strike at anything within range. Surface and near-surface lures are exciting to use now. Look for areas in shallow water 2-6 feet deep with brush, rocks, fallen trees, sunken logs, undercut barazor roots, and in stumpy coves. These places are typical Largemouth haunts. Such areas will remain good until the water gets too warm (above 75°F) when deeper waters will be more productive. The Large- mouth is easily spooked and shuns open areas. Approach likely places quietly and cast your plugs or bait directly into or beside cover. Weedless hooks are invaluable here. Frequently bass will be so far back in the brush or weeds that angling around the edges will fail to produce. Remember too, every bass fisherman has covered the easy spots.

Popular artificials include plugs like the jitterbug, (better at night), flatfish, weedless frogs, poppers and bass bugs.

Typical Largemouth waters are: Onota Lake, Lake Sabbatia, the Charles

River in and around Dover and Long Pond, Rutland.

111 Smallmouth Bass / Micropterus dolomieui Lacepede

NOT DEEPLY NOTCHED 12-13 SCALE ROWS 72-75 LATERAL MINUTE SCALES LINE SCALES

MAXILLARY DOES MINUTE NOT EXTEND TO REAR SCALES MARGIN OF EYE VERTICAL BARRING

Figure 98

Most closely resembles: Largemouth Bass - see description.

Structure: Mouth not as large as Largemouth Bass. A vertical line extending

up from rear margin of maxillary passes before or through eye.

Dorsal fins not deeply notched, definitely confluent. Minute scales

present on bases of soft dorsal and anal fins. Lateral line with

about 72-75 scales. Usually 12-13 scale rows above lateral line.

Color: Dorsally a dull greenish-brown or black, often with a bronze luster.

Sides with vertical barring noticeable in young but less distinct in

older fish. Belly whitish. Dusky spot on point of operculum. Three

brown bars radiating out from eye across cheeks.

Distribution: Introduced. Abundant in ponds and streams throughout the state

though less common than the Largemouth.

Size: Commonly 10-15 inches. May reach 24 inches and 7 pounds.

112 FISHING HINTS FOR SMALLMOUTH BASS

A species highly valued for its sporting qualities, the Smallmouth has been introduced in numerous Massachusetts waters but with indifferent success.

It seems to do best in large, cold and clear lakes with abundant shore or shoal areas of gravel or rocks. While stocking has sometimes succeeded in establishing fishable populations, such populations have frequently been known to die out sans maintenance stockings.

Angling techniques for the Smallmouth are diverse and only a limited number are commonly employed by one angler. Best habitat is usually shoal areas having deep drop-offs. Water temperature preferred by this species is 67°F. Locate productive areas by trolling the perimeter of shoals, bars, large rocks, wharfs, floating logs, etc. with medium or deep running lures. Favor the smaller, faster-wriggling types - a strip of pork rind added is often effective. Once a strike has been received, fix the position by taking shore sightings. Then work the area thoroughly with lures cast to the depth of the strike. The same method of finding fish can be used for bait fishing. Best natural baits are usually crayfish and hellgrammites. Keep these off rocky bottoms as they will crawl under any cover. Sandy or gravelly bottoms are ideal. Allow the fish to run a bit with live bait before setting the hook - and keep hooks honed to sharp points.

Some of the better Smallmouth waters are: Webster Lake, Big Alum Pond,

Lake Walden, South Watuppa Reservoir and Mashpee-Wakeby Pond.

113 Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus)

40-47 LATERAL LINE SCALES NO BLOTCH

CHEEKS WITH BLUE, WAVY STREAKS

OPERCLE IS STIFF AND ROUNDED BEHIND SCARLET SPOT LONG AND POINTED PECTORAL FINS

Figure 99

Most closely resembles: Other sunfishes but scarlet spot on stiff opercle flap

should eliminate any confusion.

Structure: Caudal fin indented. Opercle stiff and rounded behind to margin.

Pectoral fins long and pointed. Head and mouth small. Lateral line

scales usually 40-47. Anal fin with three spines, dorsal with ten.

Body short and deep.

Color: Variable. Dorsally olive-green. Sides becoming lighter, more yellow-

ish, often with blue and orange mottling. Belly yellow or orange. Head

with about five radiating, bluish, wavy streaks. Short opercular flap

is black with scarlet spot on margin. Females are duller and paler.

No dusky blotch on soft dorsal fin. Fins spotted.

Distribution: One of the three most abundant species in Massachusetts. Abundant

in most ponds and many streams.

Size: Usually 4-7 inches, rarely more.

114 Redbreast Sunfish Lepomis auritus (Linnaeus) 10 SPINES F-12 RAYS 43 - 4 8 LATERAL LINE SCALES

BLUISH STRIPES

ORANGE TO RED UNDERPARTS

LONG, FLEXIBLE, DARK OPERCULAR FLAP PECTORALS SHORT, ROUNDED Figure 100

Most closely resembles: Longear Sunfish. But Longear has usually 37-39 scales

along lateral line and dark opercular flap rimmed with

red.

Structure: Body short and deep; back much elevated. Opercular flap is long,

dark, and very flexible, easily bent and not as wide as eye. Pec-

toral fins short, rounded. Dorsal with 10 spines, 11-12 rays. Anal

fin with three spines, 8-10 rays. Caudal fin indented. Head and

mouth small. Lateral line scales number 43-48.

Color: Usually brilliantly colored. Olive on back and sides but sides with red

spots on bluish background. Belly orange-red. Long opercular flap is

blackish. Head usually with bluish stripes, especially in front of eye.

No dusky blotch on soft dorsal fin.

Distribution: Rare. Reported from Westfield River system, Hopkinton Reservoir,

Lake Cochituate, Webster Lake, Quacumquasit Lake and a few other

ponds and streams.

Size: To 8 inches.

115 Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque

10 SPINES

ABOUT 42 BLACK BLOTCH LATERAL LINE SCALES

SLATY- BLUE COLOR IN ADULTS

BLUE - BLACK OPERCULAR FLAP LONG, POINTED WITH SQUARISH MARGIN PECTORAL FINS Figure 101

Most closely resembles: Other sunfishes. Black blotch on soft dorsal fin and

blue-black opercular flap with a squarish margin are

distinctive in Bluegill.

Structure: Caudal fin indented. Pectoral fins long and pointed. About 42

scales along lateral line. Dorsal fin with ten spines, anal with

three. Opercular flap is squarish in shape and a broad rear section

is flexible (can be doubled forward nearly to cheek without fractur-

ing.)

Color: Dark green often with an emerald-bluish luster on back. Silvery sides

with greenish vertical chain-like bars. A diffuse blackish blotch on

posterior base of soft dorsal fin. Belly coppery-red in adults varying

to orange or rust. Lower margin of cheek and jaws are slaty-blue in

adults. Opercular flap is bluish-black. Young fish less than one inch

in length can be distinguished from gibbosus and auritus by dark pigment

flecks on breast.

Distribution: Introduced. Abundant over entire state in ponds and streams.

Size: Usually 4-7 inches. Occasionally reaches 11 inches.

116 FISHING HINTS FOR BLUEGILL

The Bluegill is the most desirable of the Sunfishes and generally reaches a larger size than any others. Its introduction into Massachusetts however, is deemed by some to be unfortunate inasmuch as it usually overpopulates its environment and it is grossly underharvested. Youngsters with the crudest fishing gear and adults with light tackle, nonetheless welcome this species for its scrappiness and its sweet flesh.

Being insectivorous and having a small mouth, the Bluegill favors small natural baits or artificial flies. Its gregarious nature assists the angler in filling his creel. During summer, look for him in shallow, weedy coves in water from one to ten feet deep. Dry flies and small bass bugs or wet flies 1 and small streamers are all effective. Repeat casts to the same cover should take several from a school when they're in a feeding mood. Most Bluegills though, are harvested by live bait fishing. The angleworm is supreme, but small grasshoppers, crickets and grubs are greedily consumed. Most failures to catch fish are due to an oversized hook. Tie on a small one, about a size 8 eagle- claw hook is fine. Cast a worm with a slight "plop" into the water near pond lilies, under piers, or at the edge of weedy drop-offs with or without a bit of sinker. A bobber might help a youngster to recognize the strike. Allow worm to settle. If a strike is not soon in coming, repeat short casts will surely awaken any nearby fish. If no strikes at all occur, there is little chance that any panfish are near and a new location should be sought.

117 Banded Sunfish Enneacanthus obesus (Girard)

ABOUT 32 LATERAL LINE SCALES

2 FLAT POINTS ON OPERCULAR FLAP

ROUNDED ---CAUDAL FIN

DARK BAR BELOW EYE

Figure 102

Most closely resembles: Pumpkinseed. Rounded caudal fin in Banded Sunfish is

common to no other species.

Structure: Rounded caudal fin. Opercular flap end behind in two flat points.

Scales rather large - about 32 along lateral line. Lateral line

sometimes incomplete.

Color: Olivaceous with 5-8 well-defined blackish vertical bars. Spots on

body and fins purplish or golden. Cheeks have lines or spots.

Opercular flap is velvet-black, bordered with purple. Dark bar below

eye.

Distribution: Common in ponds and streams in southeastern Massachusetts.

Size: Does not usually exceed 3-4 inches.

118 Black Crappie (Calico Bass) Pomoxis nigromaculatus (LeSueur)

7-8 SPINES 40-45 LATERAL LINE SCALES

2 DARK SPOTS

Figure 103

Most closely resembles: White Crappie. But White Crappie has only 5-6 spines

in dorsal fin and base of dorsal fin when projected

forward reaches to a point over opercle. (In Black

Crappie it reaches eye).

Structure: Mouth rather large. Highly arched back. Lateral line scales usually

40-45. Dorsal fin with 7-8 spines. Anal fin usually with six spines

(extremes: 5-7). Base of dorsal fin about equal in length to base

of anal fin; and when dorsal base length is projected forward from

origin of dorsal, it reaches at least to eye.

Color: Olive above. Silvery sides with profuse blackish mottling quite evenly

distributed. Much iridescent color everywhere, chiefly bluish. Dorsal,

anal and caudal fins with vermiculated-like dark olive markings. Back

of apercle with two dark spots, one below the other.

Distribution: Introduced. Common in ponds and streams throughout Massachusetts.

Size: To 16 inches.

119 FISHING HINTS FOR BLACK CRAPPIE

Don't look for the Crappie in sunny places nor in the usual weedy shallows.

Instead, hunt for cool, dark areas in the shadows of brush piles, drowned tree tops, large stumps and log jams in fairly deep water. Limit catches of Crappie are not the rule for although the fish is often present in substantial numbers it is rarely seen by the angler.

A large, older fish may be of solitary habits; smaller ones are more in- clined to school. It approaches a bait or lure with more deliberation than most other species - thus, when presenting a moving lure or spinner, move it along slowly. Natural food is composed of crustaceans, insects and small forage fish. The Crappie may be taken on worms, but a small streamer or wet fly retriev- ed slowly and deep is superior. Better still is a so-called "pin-head" shiner, which is any shiner of a small size from about one to not over three inches.

It should be threaded on a small hook to avoid killing the shiner and fished above suitable areas of cover employing a delicate bobber to keep it from becoming entangled in brush or branches. Sufficient time (several seconds) to permit complete mouthing of the bait should be allowed before setting the hook.

In striking, do so gently as the Crappie has an extremely soft mouth. Similarly, large fish should not be lifted out of the water roughly or the hook will tear free.

Best hours to fish for Crappie are those near dusk and after dark, and those on dim, overcast days.

Though not as scrappy as the Bluegill, the Crappie grows larger - sometimes up to two pounds.

120 White Crappie Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque

36-48 LATERAL LINE SCALES

MOTTLING NOT USUALLY EVENLY DISTRIBUTED

SUGGESTION OF VERTICAL BARS Figure 104 Most closely resembles: Black Crappie - see description.

Structure: Very similar to nigromaculatus. The chief differences are in the

dorsal fin. The base of the dorsal fin in annularis is shorter.

When projected forward from the dorsal origin, it reaches a point

above the opercle - not as far as the eye. Also the dorsal fin

has usually only 5-6 spines.

Color: Lighter than nigromaculatus. Mostly silvery-olive, mottled with dark

green, mostly above and with a tendency to form narrow vertical bars

down the sides. Vertical fins usually with vermiculated mottling.

Distribution: Introduced. Very rare. Previously reported from Lake Chauncey.

Size: To 16 inches.

121 Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris (Rafinesque)

39- 43 LATERAL 11-12 SPINES LINE SCALES

REDDISH IMS

4. -47 ; • ,4•1 • * •

• . 0

DARK SPOT ON OPERCLE

6 SPINES ROUNDED PECTORAL FINS

Figure 105

Most closely resembles: Crappies and Sunfishes. But Crappies have fewer dorsal

spines and Sunfishes and Basses have fewer anal spines.

Structure: Body oblong and robust. Base of dorsal fin much longer than base

of anal fin. Dorsal fin with 11-12 spines, anal fin with 6 spines.

From 39-43 scales along lateral line.

Color: Dark olive-green, brassy-tinged, with much darker mottling. A dark

squarish spot on each scale, forming stripes along sides. Belly bluish-

white with darker spotting. Opercle with a dark spot. A faint tear-drop

below eye. Iris of eye frequently reddish.

Distribution: Introduced. Common in many ponds and streams. Reported from

Quabbin Reservoir and Westfield River drainage. Most common

in western Massachusetts.

Size: Up to 12 inches.

122 Longear Sunfish Lepomis megalotis (Rafinesque)

10 SPINES 37-39 LATERAL LINE SCALES

OPERCULAR FLAP IS BLACKISH - USUALLY WITH A RED MARGIN

Figure 106

Most closely resembles: Redbreast Sunfish - see description.

Structure: Body short, deep. Mouth small, oblique. Maxillary reaches to about

middle of eye. Dorsal fin with ten spines, anal with three. Usuall

37-39 scales along lateral line. Opercle is flexible posteriorly.

Color: Brilliantly colored. Back blue, belly orange. Sides with orange spots

and wavy blue vertical streaks. Cheeks orange with bright blue streaks.

Opercular flap usually blackish with red (or pale blue) margin. Iris

usually red. Soft parts of vertical fins are orange with bluish rays.

Distribution: Introduced. Extremely rare. Reported from Palmer River.

Size: To 8 inches.

123 RARE SPECIES AND POSSIBLES

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game has records of several uncommon species either reported in the past or possibly present today. These are deemed too unusual for inclusion in the regular key and they are listed here principally as a matter of interest.

ecies Famil a be found Characteristics

Black Bullhead Catfishes Conn. River Fins with jet-black (Ictalurus melas) membranes

Burbot Codfishes Conn. or Single chin barbel (Lota iota) Housatonic Rivers

Green Sunfish Sunfishes Each scale with a (Lepomis cyanellus) green spot

Muskellunge Pikes Conn. River Lower half of cheeks (Esox masquinongy) and opercles unscaled

Trout-Perch Trout-Perch Housatonic River Adipose fin and spinous (Percopsis amiscomaycus) dorsal fin present

Coho Salmon Salmons Introduced by Conn. An anadromous Pacific (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Thames River and salmon by N.H. in Great Bay (Piscataqua River)

Shortnose Sturgeon Sturgeons possibly in coastal Has 22-23 lateral plates (Acipenser brevirostris) brackish rivers whereas Atlantic Sturgeon has 24-35.

Several other species have been reported from brackish waters such as the

Needlefish, Tomcod, Mullet, Striped Bass, Brook Lamprey and so forth. They have not been included here simply because numbers of additional species that may possibly be encountered in brackish coastal streams is almost endless.

124 INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC AND COMMON NAMES

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Acipenser brevirostris 124 Catostomus catostomus 67 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 31 Catostomus commersoni 66 Acipenseridae 31 Centrarchidae 110 Alewife 61 Chain Pickerel 96 Alosa aestivalis 62 Channel Catfish 43 Alosa pseudoharengus 61 Chrosomus eos 83 Alosa sapidissima 63 Chub, Creek 82 Ambloplites rupestris 122 Chub, Lake 80 American Eel 32 Chubsucker, Creek 68 American Shad 63 Chubsucker, Lake 69 American Smelt 48 Clupeidae 61 Anguilla rostrata 32 Coho Salmon 124 Anguillidae 32 Common Shiner 86 Apeltes quadracus 37 Cottidae 102 Atherinidae 98 Cottus cognatus 102 Atlantic Salmon 58 Crappie, Black 119 Atlantic Silverside 98 Crappie, White 121 Atlantic Sturgeon 31 Creek Chub 82 Creek Chubsucker 68 Banded Killifish 100 Cyprinidae 70 Banded Sunfish 110 Cyprinodontidae 99 Bass, Calico 119 Cyprinus carpio 76 Bass, Largemouth 110 Bass, Rock 122 Dace, Blacknose 79 Bass, Smallmouth 112 Dace, Longnose 78 Black Bullhead 124 Dace, Northern Redbelly 83 Black Crappie 119 Darter, Johnny 107 Blacknose Dace 79 Darter, Swamp 106 Blueback Herring 62 Bluegill 116 Eel, American 32 Bridle Shiner 89 Emerald Shiner 87 Brook Stickleback 39 Enneacanthus obesus 118 Brook Trout 52 Erimyzon oblongus 68 Brown Bullhead 46 Erimyzon sucetta 69 Brown Trout 59 Esocidae 91 Bullhead, Black 124 Esox americanus americanus 94 Bullhead, Brown 46 Esox lucius 92 Bullhead, Yellow 45 Esox masquinongy 124 Burbot 124 Esox niger 96 Etheostoma fusiforme 106 Carrasius auratus 77 Etheostoma nigrum 107 Carp 76 Eucalia inconstans 39 Catfish, Channel 43 Catfish, White 42 Fallfish 81 Catostomidae 65 Fathead Minnow 85

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Fourspine Stickleback 37 Madtom, Tadpole 41 Fundulus diaphanus 100 Menidia menidia 98 Fundulus heteroclitus 99 Micropterus dolomieui 112 Fundulus majalis 101 Micropterus salmoides 110 Mimic Shiner 90 Gad idae 124 Minnow, Fathead 85 Gasterosteidae 35 Mummichog 99 Gasterosteus aculeatus 36 Muskellunge 124 Gasterosteus wheatlandi 35 Myoxocephalus aeneus 103 Golden Shiner 84 Goldfish 77 Ninespine Stickleback 38 Green Sunfish 124 Northern Pike 92 Grubby Sculpin 103 Northern Pipefish 34 Northern Redbelly Dace 83 Herring, (Alewife) 61 Notemigonus crysoleucas 84 Herring, Blueback 62 Notropis atherinoides 87 Hogchoker 33 Notropis bifrenatus 89 Hybopsis plumbea 80 Notropis cornutus 86 Notropis hudsonius 88 Ictaluridae 40 Notropis volcellus 90 Ictalurus catus 42 Noturus gyrinus 41 Ictalurus melas 124 Ictalurus natalis 45 Oncorhynchus kisutch 124 Ictalurus nebulosis 46 Oncorhynchus nerka 51 Ictalurus punctatus 43 Osmeridae 48 Osmerus mordax 48 Johnny Darter 107 Perca flavescens 104 Killifish, Banded 100 Perch, Trout 124 Killifish, Striped 101 Perch, White 108 Kokanee 51 Perch, Yellow 104 Percidae 104 Lake Chub 80 Percopsidae 124 Lake Chubsucker 69 Percopsis amiscomaycus 124 Lake Trout 54 Petromyzon marinus 30 Lamprey, Sea 30 Petramyzonidae 30 Landlocked Salmon 58 Pickerel, Chain 96 Largemouth Bass 110 Pickerel, Redfin 94 Lepomis auritus . 115 Pike, Northern 92 Lepomis cyanellus 124 Pimephales promelas 85' Lepomis gibbosus 114 Pipefish, Northern 34 Lepomis macrochirus 116 Pomoxis annularis 121 Lepomis megalotis 123 Pomoxis nigromaculatus 119 Longear Sunfish 123 Pumpkinseed 114 Longnose Dace 78 Pungitius pungitius 38 Longnose Sucker 67 Lota iota 124

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Rainbow Trout 56 Stickleback, Brook 39 Redbreast Sunfish 115 Stickleback, Twospine 35 Redfin Pickerel 94 Stickleback, Threespine 36 Rhinichthys atratulus 79 Stickleback, Fourspine 37 Rhinichthys cataractae 78 Stickleback, Ninespine 38 Roccus americanus 108 Stizostedion vitreum vitreum 105 Rock Bass 122 Striped Killifish 101 Sturgeon, Atlantic 31 Salmo gairdneri 56 Sturgeon, Shortnose 124 Salmo salar 58 Sucker, Longnose 67 Salmo trutta 59 Sucker, White 66 Salmon, Atlantic 58 Sunfish, Banded 118 Salmon, Coho 124 Sunfish, Bluegill 116 Salmon, Kokanee 51 Sunfish, Green 124 Salmon, Landlocked 58 Sunfish, Longear 123 Salmonidae 49 Sunfish, Pumpkinseed 114 Salvelinus fontinalis 52 Sunfish, Redbreast 115 Salve linus namaycush 54 Swamp Darter 106 Sculpin, Grubby 103 Syngnathidae 34 Sculpin, Slimy 102 Syngnathus fuscus 34 Sea Lamprey 30 Semotilus atromaculatus 82 Tadpole Madtom 41 Semotilus corporalis 81 Threespine Stickleback 36 Serranidae 108 Trinectes maculatus 33 Shad, American 63 Trout, Brook 52 Shiner, Bridle 89 Trout, Brown 59 Shiner, Common 86 Trout, Lake 54 Shiner, Emerald 87 Trout, Rainbow 56 Shiner, Golden 84 Trout - Perch 124 Shiner, Mimic 90 Twospine Stickleback 35 Shiner, Spottail 88 Shortnose Sturgeon 124 Walleye 105 Silverside, Atlantic 98 White Catfish 42 Slimy Sculpin 102 White Crappie 121 Smallmouth Bass 112 White Perch 108 Smelt, American 48 White Sucker 66 Soleidae 33 Spottail Shiner 88 Yellow Bullhead 45 Yellow Perch 104

127