Massachusetts state waters, out to 3 miles
Harvest allowed only in the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers (3 per day); all other MA waters are catch-and-release.
MA DMF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Deeper body, jaws even; the classic spring run. More on the American shad page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
American shad in other states14 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep American shad in Massachusetts?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Massachusetts. Release it in the water where you can. Harvest allowed only in the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers (3 per day); all other MA waters are catch-and-release.
How current is this Massachusetts American shad 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 American shad in Massachusetts and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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