Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Hickory Shad is gray-green on its back and upper sides, fading to silver. A spot behind the gill plate may be followed by a row of faint spots, often apparent as dark smudges or thumbprint-like marks.

The lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw, a key identifying feature. The lower jaw can be darkly colored.

They have a deeply forked tail.

Hickory Shad are more slender than an American shad.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Ocean/Delaware Bay and Tributaries/Delaware River and Tributaries/Inland Bays Open Year-Round Nanticoke River/Tributaries CLOSED – Both commercial and recreational hickory shad are CLOSED to harvest on the Nanticoke River and their tributaries
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	10 in any combination with American Shad
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Delaware River and tributaries, Nanticoke River and tributaries
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Hickory Shad spends most of its life at sea, but swims up freshwater rivers to spawn in the spring. They primarily feed on small shrimp and fishes.
Did You Know?	Hickory Shad are great fighters when hooked and often make strong runs with aerial acrobatics on light tackle.
Common Lures and Baits	Sinking artificial flies, small spinners, small jigs, and shad darts are a favorite lure among Hickory Shad fisherman.
Typical Sizes Caught	Hickory Shad commonly caught are in the range of 12 to 20 inches in length by Delaware anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Hickory Shad are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Hickory Shad are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

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