The Alewife and the blueback herring are almost identical, except that the Alewife has larger eyes. The Alewife is green/gray color on the upper side of its body, with silver below. There is usually one small dark spot located on the upper side of the body, just beyond the gill flap. They are smaller in size than American or hickory shad. Although similar in length to a blueback herring, the alewives body is more compressed and less elongated giving it a wider girth than a blueback herring.
Habitat & Range
The Alewife spends most of its life at sea, but swims up freshwater rivers to spawn in the spring. They primarily feed on plankton, also eating small shrimp, and other small crustaceans.
Where to Fishing
Delaware River, Nanticoke River and freshwater tributaries of both systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing Tips
There is a statewide moratorium on the harvest of alewives (river herring). Like all prohibited species, they must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival.
