Get out that fishing pole! The shad have arrived

By Casey Ramsdell, Globe Correspondent

State and federal wildlife officials released nearly a half-million shad fry into the Charles River in Waltham this morning, as part of a multiyear effort to restore stocks of the fish in the river.

The American shad was abundant in the Charles during colonial times, but declined because of the construction of dams and poor water quality, said Mary Griffin, commissioner of the state Department of Fish and Game.

The project began in 2006. In its first two years, approximately 4.8 million shad fry were released. Around 1 million fish have been released this year, said Griffin.

“We are constantly trying to restore the natural ecological state of rivers in Massachusetts,” she said.

She said another goal of the project is to create recreational fishing opportunities for urban residents. The shad, which can be caught and eaten, can weigh up to 5 pounds.

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