Hickory shad across North Carolina
Creel rules, records and waters for hickory shad.
- 10 a daydaily creel
- 4 lbs, 1 ouncerecord
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, Public domain
About North Carolina hickory shad
Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris) is listed among the state’s freshwater and saltwater species. Anglers may keep 10 a day under NCWRC (all inland and joint fishing waters (hook and line) except listed wate); size no size limit.
Pitchkettle Creek gave up the state record of 4 lbs, 1 ounce in 2004. NCWRC records tie it to 4 lakes and 2 streams on this site. NCDMF citation: No award given for these species.
NCWRC notes on hickory shad
“Native to the Atlantic coast, Hickory Shad are anadromous fish, spending the majority of their life at sea and entering freshwater only in the spring to spawn. Each spring, Hickory Shad ascend the Roanoke, Chowan, Neuse and Tar rivers in North Carolina. These migrations are called “shad runs” and may cover hundreds of miles to the headwaters of these systems. Hickory shad typically spawn during the night in shallow water with a rocky bottom when water temperatures are between 58 F and 62 F.”
“A long, compressed fish, the Hickory Shad is grayish green on top fading to silvery on the sides with a dark spot on the shoulder, often followed by several less distinct dark spots. The tail is deeply forked with pointed lobes. The Hickory Shad is distinguished from the American Shad by a lower jaw that projects beyond the upper jaw. It is also usually smaller than American Shad but larger than alewife and blueback herring. Little is known about Hickory Shad during their life at sea. Studies suggest that Hickory Shad, like American Shad, feed on small fish, squid, fish eggs, small crabs and crustaceans.”
- Fishing tipsHickory Shad are fun to catch during their spring spawning run as they will strike flies, small spoons and artificial lures. Anglers typically fish for hickory shad on light spinning gear rigged with shad darts or spoons on 4-to 8-pound test line, although increasing numbers of anglers are refining
- Where to fishThe Roanoke River is considered by many anglers to be the premier destination for Hickory Shad. Fishing opportunities are also abundant in many other North Carolina coastal rivers and creeks including the Cashie, Tar and Neuse rivers, as well as Contentnea Creek. In the Roanoke River, Hickory Shad b
- AbundanceCoastal rivers during spring spawning runs.
Quoted from the NCWRC species profile, checked October 2026.
The hickory shad creel
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCWRC | All inland and joint fishing waters (hook and line) except listed waters | 10 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| NCDMF | All other internal coastal and joint waters | 10 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| NCDMF | Pamlico and Pungo rivers and tributaries | 10 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| NCDMF | Cape Fear River and tributaries | 10 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| NCDMF | Atlantic Ocean | 10 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
The hickory shad record
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line by weight | 4 lbs, 1 ounce | Pitchkettle Creek | 2004 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Waters to try for hickory shad
Reservoirs with hickory shad
- John H. Kerr Reservoir48,900 acres
- Lake Gaston20,300 acres
- Roanoke Rapids Lake4,600 acres
- Lake Hickory4,110 acres
Flowing water with hickory shad
- Cape Fear RiverBladen
- Pee Dee RiverAnson
NCWRC stocking lists, regulation tables, species profiles and records; largest waters first.
Fish that pair with hickory shad
- Striped bassboth
- American shadboth
Nearby water from Hickory shad, in photos
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Twritter at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Travis K. Witt, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Before you target hickory shad
What is the creel limit on hickory shad?
10 a day (All inland and joint fishing waters (hook and line) except listed waters), size no size limit.
What is the biggest hickory shad caught in North Carolina?
4 lbs, 1 ounce from Pitchkettle Creek (2004).
Which lakes hold hickory shad?
6 waters on this site, including John H. Kerr Reservoir, Lake Gaston and Roanoke Rapids Lake.
Are hickory shad on the stocking list?
It is not on the 2026 warmwater list.
What is hickory shad confused with?
Scientific name Alosa mediocris.
When does the hickory shad season run?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Which North Carolina license do I need for hickory shad?
Inland waters take an NCWRC inland fishing license from age 16 ($32 resident, $56 nonresident). Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Can I hire a trip that targets hickory shad?
Every operator appears on the guides page.
Map out a hickory shad trip
Each listed water has its own page.