Photo of the Holyoke Dam. Credit: USFWS

Fish Passage Schedule

The Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission establishes an annual schedule for the operation of up and downstream passage for a number of dams in the Connecticut River basin. These schedules are based on the projected movement of migratory fish and may be adjusted in season to address actual observations.

1. Actual dates of operation are based on passage of fish at the next lowest downstream fishway and/or monitoring of radio-tagged adult salmon locations.

2. Zone -of-passage flow of 1,300 cfs or more to the bypass reach below the dam

3. Zone-of-passage flows for shortnose sturgeon passage in summer (July 16 through September 14) are not currently required until downstream passage measures are in place to protect down-running sturgeon.

4. Actual hours of operation on a day-to-day basis are to be determined by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in consultation with the project owner.

5. Actual eelpass installation dates are dependent on river flow conditions.

1. Date of initiating operation April 1 or as soon as possible after high spring flows subside. Net can be removed after smolt emigration ceases at the Cabot sampler upon consultation with the Coordinator.

2. Minimum log sluice gate opening of 3.5 feet at Bellows Falls and 5 feet at Wilder.

3. The McIndoes log sluice gate is now capable of tracking headpond level and can operate continuously.

4. Bascule gate may be closed periodically in order to facilitate upstream passage at spillway fishlift, as directed by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife fishway personnel.

5. Downstream passage operation, or monitoring with operation as needed, is required for salmon when salmon are upstream of a location.

6. Holyoke passage operation dates may be adjusted to facilitate fish passage facility improvements if approved by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.