New York state waters, out to 3 miles
No possession south of GW Bridge; north of GWB 10/angler (50/boat) Mar 15 - Jun 15.
NY DEC 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 apartNot listed by New York: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
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 New York?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New York. Release it in the water where you can. No possession south of GW Bridge; north of GWB 10/angler (50/boat) Mar 15 - Jun 15.
How current is this New York alewife rule?
Source: NY DEC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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