Freshwater · Saltwater Fish of Connecticut
Herring
Clupeidae
Also called: Alewife, American Shad, Atlantic Herring, Atlantic Menhaden, Blueback Herring, Gizzard Shad, Hickory Shad
Identification
Silvery, laterally compressed fish with reflective scales, deeply forked tails, and a single soft dorsal fin. Several have a dark shoulder spot followed by smaller spots along their sides.
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters, depending on the species. Some migrate into freshwater rivers to spawn, while others live in lakes or remain primarily coastal.
Behavior
Schooling fish that provide important forage for larger predators. Several species look very similar and require close examination to identify.
How to Catch
Fishing methods and restrictions vary by species. Identify the fish and check current Connecticut regulations before targeting or collecting it.
Notes
The labeled image shows seven members of the herring family. Atlantic Herring are primarily marine; habitat and migration patterns differ among the species shown.
Where to find Herring in CT
- Saltonstall Lake Branford
- Thames River Norwich
- Yantic River Bozrah