New Hampshire state waters, out to 3 miles
SizePossession prohibited
BagPossession prohibited
SeasonClosed year-round
All shad must be immediately released.
NH F&G 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 New Hampshire?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New Hampshire. Release it in the water where you can. All shad must be immediately released.
How current is this New Hampshire American shad rule?
Source: NH F&G 2026, last checked Sep 10, 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 New Hampshire and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app