Delaware River · New Jersey · Pennsylvania · Shad
Delaware River Shad Fishing Regulations 2026
Delaware River Shad regulations as of 2026-05-08: Status Prohibited; Daily bag 2; Gear Bow And Arrows. Sourced across 2 state agencies.
Rules (26)
New Jersey (15)
All Fresh Waters (Except Delaware River)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
Due to serious declines in American Shad numbers, the taking of American Shad, except for the Delaware River, is prohibited.
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2
- Gear
- Bow And Arrows
State Record: 11 lbs. 1 oz. Spears (not mechanically propelled) and bow and arrows may be used to take carp, catfish, shad and suckers, except within 825 feet of an eel weir. A valid fishing license is required.
Delaware River & TributariesOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/person
- Daily bag
- 6 fish
- Possession
- 6
maximum of 2 American shad 6 (maximum of 2 American shad)
Delaware River MainstemOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2
Pennsylvania (11)
All Delaware River TributariesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch and release in all Delaware River tributaries including those above tide.
All Delaware River Tributaries Including Those Above TideCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Open year-round
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Open year-round
Delaware River TributariesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch and release in all Delaware River tributaries including those above tide.
The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New York And PennsylvaniaIn season
- Season opens
- May 3
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 18"
May 3 until midnight, Dec. 31 3 18 inches
Also known as
Rules above match the following common names in our regulations database: Shad, American Shad, Hickory Shad.
Frequently asked questions
When is Shad season on Delaware River?
Shad season on Delaware River runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 (varies by state) per DEP Fish & Wildlife / Fish & Boat Commission.
What is the size limit for Shad on Delaware River?
Minimum size for Shad on Delaware River is 18 inches in The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New York And Pennsylvania. Slot or maximum sizes may apply elsewhere on the water; see the table above.
What is the daily bag limit for Shad on Delaware River?
Daily bag limit for Shad on Delaware River is 2 in Delaware River.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch. Last verified .