South Carolina state waters, out to 3 miles
SC shad rules explicitly cover American and hickory shad combined.
SC DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Lower jaw juts past the upper; spring river runs. More on the hickory shad page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Hickory shad in other states9 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for hickory shad in South Carolina?
No size limit.
How many hickory shad can you keep in South Carolina?
10/day (20/day in Santee River & Rediversion Canal). Counts toward the Shad (American & hickory) aggregate.
When is hickory shad season in South Carolina?
Open year-round; river-specific rules under Shad & Herring regulations.
How current is this South Carolina hickory shad rule?
Source: SC DNR 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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