Turners Falls Fishway

Anadromous Fish of the Connecticut River

Each spring when the shadbush blooms, New Englanders have the opportunity to view an incredible natural phenomenon. American shad, sea lamprey and other anadromous (ah-nad-rah-mus) fish swim up the Connecticut River as they begin their annual spring migration. Anadromous fish are born in freshwater, mature in the ocean and return to freshwater to spawn. Driven by instinct, adult fish migrate to return to spawn in the rivers of their birth.

We will be hiring Fishway Guides for the 2025 season! Please keep an eye on our site for updates in late March or early April.

The Ladders at Turners Falls

120 miles from the mouth of the Connecticut River, the Turners Falls ladders help migrating fish get past the Turners Falls dam. These stair-like ladders consist of a series of rising pools, each pool approximately one foot higher than the last. The fish climb these ladders by swimming from pool to pool. Completed in 1980, the Turners Falls ladders are a series of three ladders located along a 2.5-mile stretch of the river. The Turners Falls ladders are located at the Cabot Hydroelectric Station, the spillway (dam) and the gatehouse.

Visitor and Education Center

Admission is free. The Fishway is staffed by knowledgeable and friendly guides who will share information about anadromous fish and restoration efforts. Underwater viewing windows offer visitors of all ages a chance to see migratory fish during their upriver journey to spawn. American shad and sea lamprey can often be seen swimming by the windows. A short walk along the scenic canal side bike path, offers views of the spillway fish ladder. The Visitor Center is adjacent to the Turners Falls Bike Path and our Unity Park picnic area on the shores of the Connecticut River.

The Fishway is open this year from May 11 until June 9th, Wednesday through Sunday, and Memorial Day.

Free admission, no reservations required unless you would like to bring a school group. Please call the phone number below to set up a school field trip to the fishway.

Sensory-Friendly Hours

FirstLight partnered with the Autism Alliance, a program of Advocates, to become an Autism Welcoming and sensory-responsive business to better serve individuals with autism and their families and caregivers. This season, FirstLight will offer the following sensory-friendly hours at the Turners Falls Fishway for 2024:

• Wednesday, May 15 and May 22, from 4-5pm
• Sunday, May 19 and June 2, from 9-11am

Visitors attending sensory-friendly hours at the Turners Falls Fishway can download a social story via the button below to prepare for the trip, and at the facility, they can expect a quieter environment. Sensory bags will also be available to support a more welcoming and accessible experience. 

Directions: Traveling south or north on Rte. 91, take exit 46 for Rte. 2 east (Greenfield/ Boston). Turn right at the second light and go over the bridge. Turn left onto First Street. The fishway is on your left. Traveling west on Rte. 2, travel 9.5 miles beyond Erving Center and turn left at the first traffic light. Go over the bridge and turn left onto First Street.

The fishway is on your left. Physical address: 15 First Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376; Mailing address: 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA 01360; Phone: 800-859-2960

School Fishway Program: Fins and Ladders

Visit the Turners Falls Fishway for a watchable wildlife experience. This program focuses on migratory fish of the Connecticut River and the fish ladders that help them bypass the dam. A variety of activities will introduce anadromous fish and the challenges of their upstream journey. These fascinating fish are born in the river or its tributaries, migrate to the ocean and return as adults to spawn in the river of their birth. American shad and sea lamprey can often be seen swimming by the viewing windows. Pre- and post-visit curriculum materials are available. Please contact Beth Pelton at beth.pelton@firstlight.energy to set up a field trip.

Directions: Traveling south or north on Rte. 91, take exit 27 for Rte. 2 east (Greenfield/ Boston). Turn right at the second light and go over the bridge. Turn left onto First Street. The fishway is on your left. Traveling west on Rte. 2, travel 9.5 miles beyond Erving Center and turn left at the first light. Go over the bridge and turn left onto First Street.

The fishway is on your left. Physical address: 15 First Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376; Mailing address: 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA 01360; Phone: 800-859-2960