With the exception of Long Island, the Black River Basin, and west of the Genesee River, fallfish are found in waters across New York State. They live in clear streams, lakes, and ponds, and do not tolerate muddy water. However, larger adults are rather dull silver in color and the differences between the two fish species is more apparent. Mature male fallfish will develop a pinkish tint to their heads during breeding season. Fallfish are group spawners.
Males construct nests in stream gravel by carrying stones in their mouths.
The round nest can be four feet wide and nearly one and one half feet high. Fallfish feed on insects, small fish, crayfish, and some plant material. Small fallfish are eaten by other fish and larger fallfish fall prey to fish eating birds, such as ospreys. Although edible when taken from cold water, fallfish are not normally eaten by anglers. However, smaller fish are sometimes used as bait.