American Shad in Pennsylvania
PFBC limits, the record and waters for American shad.
- 3limit
- 9 lb 9 ozrecord
Pick for troutPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo of the species, not a Pennsylvania water: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
Pennsylvania American shad at a glance
American shad (Alosa sapidissima) sits on the PFBC fish list as game fish, with Summary rows in 3 water classes. The commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing row reads 3, with the season open year-round.
A 9 lb 9 oz fish from Delaware River, landed by Anthony Mecca in 1986, is the PFBC record.
Pennsylvania seasons and limits for American shad
| Water class | Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth inland waters | Commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under Lake Erie, Pymatuning, Conowingo or Delaware River and Estuary rules or | 3 | Open year-round |
| Commonwealth inland waters | Lehigh River upstream of the first dam in Easton and tributaries; Schuylkill River upstream of the I-95 bridge and tribu | NO HARVEST – catch and immediate release only | Open year-round |
| Commonwealth inland waters | Susquehanna River and tributaries | 0 | CLOSED YEAR-ROUND |
| Conowingo Reservoir (Susquehanna River boundary) | Conowingo Reservoir up to Holtwood Dam | 0 | CLOSED YEAR-ROUND |
| Delaware River and estuary | Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River, Delaware River tributaries to the limit of tidal influence, and the Lehigh R | 2 | Open year-round |
2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (PA Fish and Boat Commission; in effect or proposed as of October 1, 2025, PDF revised February 27, 2026), page 10 to 14. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
American shad entries on the PFBC record page
| Entry | Weight | Angler | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shad, American | 9 lb 9 oz | Anthony Mecca | Delaware River | Pike | 1986 |
PFBC State Record Fish page, retrieved October 23, 2026; records are kept by weight only.
Finding American shad across Pennsylvania
Keystone rivers worth a try for American shad
- Delaware RiverNorthampton County
PFBC species listings, Class A and stocked trout layers, the 2026 stocking schedule and state records; largest waters first.
For the trout herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 More Pennsylvania fish near American shad on the list
- Largemouth Bassgame fish
- Smallmouth Bassgame fish
- Spotted Bassgame fish
- Rock Bassgame fish
- Striped Bassgame fish
- White Bassgame fish
- Bluegillgame fish
- Pumpkinseedgame fish
- Redbreast Sunfishgame fish
- Crappiegame fish
- Yellow Perchgame fish
- White Perchgame fish
A photo look at the water by American Shad
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Cards84664, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ameer Attia, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
American shad across the Commonwealth: questions
How many American shad does a Pennsylvania angler take home?
3 on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing, season open year-round; other water classes have their own rows.
Is there a PFBC record for American shad?
9 lb 9 oz from Delaware River in Pike County, caught by Anthony Mecca in 1986.
Which Pennsylvania lakes hold American shad?
1 water page here list it, led by Delaware River.
Are American shad stocked in Pennsylvania?
The PFBC lists no 2026 stocking for it.
How does the PFBC class American shad?
Alosa sapidissima; listed as game fish.
In which months may American shad be kept?
Open year-round on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing.
Must visitors buy a license for American shad?
Anyone 16 or older needs a Pennsylvania fishing license: $27.97 for residents, $60.97 for nonresidents and $14.47 for resident seniors, fees included.
Do outfitters list American shad?
None of the guide listings mention it.
Head out for Keystone American shad
Choose a lake or stream above and check its limits.