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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    All About Shad

    Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book

    Diagram showing the differences in various shad and herring species

    Fishing Regulations

    American Shad are River Herring are CLOSED YEAR-ROUND in Susquehanna River and tributaries, including the Conowingo Reservoir up to Holtwood Dam.

    Hickory Shad are CLOSED YEAR-ROUND in all Commonwealth Inland Waters

    Closed season means "no kill." It is unlawful to take, possess, catch or kill American shad, hickory shad, alewife and river (blueback) herring in these areas. Any of these fish that are caught must be released immediately, unharmed, to the water from which they were taken.

    Catch and Release

    Do your part in restoring American shad! Shad are fragile; if you catch a shad, release it gently.

    1. Reel shad in quickly. Do not fight shad to exhaustion.
    2. Use a net to land shad. Do not drag the fish onto shore or boat.
    3. Keep shad in the net and, if possible, in the water while removing the hook. Do not put your fingers in the gills to lift shad. Do not let shad flop or drop on the shore or deck.
    4. Use pliers to unhook shad. Do not grab the fish by the head or gill covers while removing the hook.
    5. Release shad by sliding them into the water from the net. Do not drop, throw or kick shad to return them to the water.