Virginia state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo harvest
Bag0
SeasonClosed (moratorium)
Statewide moratorium since 2019; illegal to possess, catch-and-release only.
VMRC 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 Virginia?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Virginia. Release it in the water where you can. Statewide moratorium since 2019; illegal to possess, catch-and-release only.
How current is this Virginia American shad rule?
Source: VMRC 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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