New York state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo possession
Bag0
SeasonClosed all year
No possession allowed in NY waters.
NY DEC 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 York?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New York. Release it in the water where you can. No possession allowed in NY waters.
How current is this New York American shad 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.
In the appPoint the camera at an American shad in New York and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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