Massachusetts state waters, out to 3 miles
River herring possession is banned in Massachusetts and most Atlantic states — release immediately.
MA DMF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Blueback herringBlue-black back, smaller eye — in hand, its gut lining is black. Tell them apart
Atlantic herringNo shoulder spot. Tell them apart
American shadMuch larger, spot row. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
River herring with an eye WIDER than its snout is long; gray-green back, single shoulder spot, sawtooth belly keel. More on the alewife page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Alewife in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep alewife in Massachusetts?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Massachusetts. Release it in the water where you can. River herring possession is banned in Massachusetts and most Atlantic states — release immediately.
How current is this Massachusetts alewife rule?
Source: MA DMF 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an alewife in Massachusetts and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app