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
AlewifeBigger eye, gray-green back, pale gut lining. Tell them apart
Atlantic herringNo shoulder spot. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
The alewife's twin with a blue-black back and smaller eye; told apart for sure by the black gut lining. More on the blueback herring page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Blueback herring in other states14 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep blueback herring 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 blueback herring 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 a blueback herring in Massachusetts and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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