Can I Keep?Hickory Shad Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational hickory shad rules in North Carolina saltwater, as published by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
None
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Recreational Hickory Shad rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- None
- (d) For aggregate creel limits for American shad and hickory shad, see the most recent DMF proclamation . Unlawful to take or possess American shad from the Atlantic Ocean.
Commercial rules
Show 3 commercial rules
- Where
- Cape Fear River and Tributaries (bays & inshore)
- Season
- It shall be unlawful to possess hickory shad for commercial purposes prior to 12:01 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2026, and after 11:59 P.M., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
- Proclamation FF-8-2026: SHAD – COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL – COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS INCLUDING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF RULES (effective 12:01 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2026).
- Where
- Atlantic Ocean (ocean)
- Season
- It shall be unlawful to possess hickory shad for commercial purposes prior to 12:01 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2026, and after 11:59 P.M., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
- Proclamation FF-8-2026: SHAD – COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL – COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS INCLUDING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF RULES (effective 12:01 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2026).
- Where
- All Other Internal Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters (bays & inshore)
- Season
- It shall be unlawful to possess hickory shad for commercial purposes prior to 12:01 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2026, and after 11:59 P.M., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
- Proclamation FF-8-2026: SHAD – COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL – COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS INCLUDING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF RULES (effective 12:01 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2026).
Quick answers
What is the hickory shad size limit in North Carolina?
None.
Compare Hickory Shad limits in other states →
More inshore in North Carolina
- Alewife and Blueback Herring
- American Eel
- American Shad
- Black Drum
- Croaker
- Flounder
- Mullet
- Red Drum
- Sheepshead
- Spot
- Spotted Seatrout
- Striped Bass
- Tarpon
- Weakfish
All North Carolina saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a North Carolina saltwater license or registry: get one here.