American Shad in Georgia
Rules, records and where to find American shad in Georgia.
- 8limit
- 8 lb, 3 ozrecord
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A Georgia primer on American shad
The Georgia DNR fish lists carry American shad (Alosa sapidissima) as a game fish. The guide row for statewide freshwater sets 8; season open all year.
Georgia's freshwater record is 8 lb, 3 oz, set in 1986. 5 lake and river pages on this site name it in their WRD species lists.
Georgia DNR field notes on American shad
Description. “Silvery with single dorsal fin; at least one and up to 5 to 7 dark sports behind the gill plate (operculum). Dorsal fin is short, underside of body is accented with a saw-toothed edge formed of belly scales. No teeth in adults. Up to 12 lb; 2 to 8 lb typical.”
Habitat. “Spawns in fresh water but spends most of its life at sea. Enters coastal Georgia rivers in winter and early spring (Dec – May). Most spawning occurs when water reaches 53-70 degrees and dependent on water clarity, with late afternoon spawning in clear water and all day in turbid waters.”
Range. “St. Marys, Satilla, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Ogeechee and Savannah River basins.”
Food. “At sea, they consume other fish or small crustaceans (copepods, mysid shrimp). Juveniles in freshwater or at sea feed almost exclusively on small crustaceans. Spawning run adults typically feed only on wood and green plant debris, though fish may occasionally strike lures.”
Tips. “Upstream migrating fish exhibit reduced feeding, but may strike at flies or any small, flashy lure or small fish.”
Quoted from the WRD fish identification page. The WRD entry covers several related fish. Checked October 2026.
Georgia bag rules covering American shad
| Applies to | Limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide freshwater | 8 | Open all year |
2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations (Georgia DNR). Checked October 2026.
Record American shad from Georgia water
| List | Weight | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| freshwater | 8 lb, 3 oz | Savannah River | 1986 |
WRD freshwater record list and CRD saltwater game fish records; angler names left out. Checked October 2026.
Georgia waters listing American shad
Moving water holding American shad
- Altamaha RiverWayne
- Flint RiverBaker
- Oconee RiverLaurens
- Savannah RiverRichmond
- Ogeechee RiverJefferson
WRD access point species flags and WRD fishing forecasts; largest waters first.
Other Georgia species grouped with American shad
- Largemouth Bassfreshwater
- Altamaha Bassfreshwater
- Bartram's Bassfreshwater
- Chattahoochee Bassfreshwater
- Redeye Bassfreshwater
- Shoal Bassfreshwater
- Smallmouth Bassfreshwater
- Spotted Bassfreshwater
- Suwannee Bassfreshwater
- Tallapoosa Bassfreshwater
- White Bassfreshwater
- Hybrid Striped Bassfreshwater
Scenes from the water around American Shad
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Bubba73 (Jud McCranie), CC BY-SA 4.0
Georgia American shad, asked and answered
Which Georgia rule governs keeping American shad?
8 for statewide freshwater; season open all year.
Which year produced the Georgia record American shad?
8 lb, 3 oz on the freshwater list, from Savannah River in 1986.
Where are American shad found in Georgia?
5 water pages on this site, led by Altamaha River, Flint River and Oconee River.
Does Georgia stock American shad?
WRD posts per-water stocking only for trout.
What kind of fish is American shad under Georgia rules?
A game fish, Alosa sapidissima; freshwater water.
Does Georgia close the season on American shad?
Open all year on statewide freshwater.
Which permit do I need for American shad?
Georgia asks anglers 16 and older for a fishing license: $15 for residents and $50 for nonresidents, each good for 365 days from purchase.
Does any Georgia charter run trips for American shad?
See the guides page; none name it.
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Each listed Georgia water opens a page with launches and limits.