American shad in California
American shad: California limits and records.
- 25 a daydaily bag
- 7 lbs., 5 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of California: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
American shad, the California picture
On fresh water, American shad (Alosa sapidissima) belongs to the other group in CDFW references. The Statewide row reads 25 a day, size none.
CDFW lists a record of 7 lbs., 5 oz. from West Branch of the Feather River, 1985. The CDFW flags cover 0 lakes and 5 streams.
What CDFW writes about American shad
“American Shad (shad) is the largest member of the herring family (Clupeidae). They can grow upwards of 30 inches and can exceed 7 pounds. Their silvery bodies are compressed from side to side but are long from their back to their bellies (dorsal to ventral). Shad have a deep fork in their tail, can have a greenish band along their back, and have a series of dark spots along their flanks. Shad scales are highly deciduous and form a sharp saw-toothed edge along their ventral side (belly).”
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Keeping American shad in California
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 25 a day | none | All year, except closures under special regulations |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
State record American shad
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater angling | Lure | 7 lbs., 5 oz. | West Branch of the Feather River | 1985 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Waters marked for American shad
Rivers with American shad
- Sacramento RiverShasta
- Klamath RiverSiskiyou
- Russian RiverSonoma
- Feather RiverButte
- American RiverSacramento
CDFW Fishing Guide species flags; largest waters first.
More in the group with American shad
- Mountain whitefishother
- White bassother
- Sacramento splittailother
- Orangemouth corvinaother
- Common carpother
American shad questions, answered briefly
What daily bag applies to American shad in California?
25 a day (Statewide), size none.
How big is the state record American shad?
7 lbs., 5 oz. from West Branch of the Feather River (1985).
Where are American shad found?
CDFW flags 5 waters, including Sacramento River, Klamath River and Russian River.
Are American shad planted in California?
The 2026 plan does not include it.
What is American shad also called?
Scientific name Alosa sapidissima.
Can I fish for American shad all year?
All year, except closures under special regulations
Is a validation needed for American shad?
A California sport fishing license ($64.54 resident) from age 16; report cards apply to steelhead, sturgeon, North Coast salmon and lobster.
Who guides for American shad?
No charter lists it.