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FISH GUIDE · Freshwater / Sea

Allis shad: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Alosa alosa

Allis shad grows at sea before ascending rivers to reproduce. Its eggs and some spawning habitats are subject to protection; fishing is heavily restricted depending on the basin. No capture method is recommended here. The order of 5 May 2026 also prohibits fishing for it in freshwater in Pyrénées-Atlantiques during 2026, including catch-and-release angling.

Catalogue names : Allis shad. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Native to the northeastern Atlantic and rivers of western Europe and North Africa. FishBase also reports the western Mediterranean. This documented range, including France, does not guarantee current populations or spawning in every formerly occupied river.

  • Native range : Northeastern Atlantic
  • Documented presence : Western Mediterranean
  • Documented presence : France

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

A compressed silver body, large irregular scales and often a broad spot behind the gill cover. The spot may be absent; comparison with twaite shad and hybrids requires several features, without handling the gills to count them.

Habitat

Northeastern Atlantic continental shelf, estuaries and rivers with gravel and pebble substrates for spawning. Do not trample spawning beds.

Diet

At sea, mainly zooplankton, with fish in larger individuals; river juveniles also eat insects and larvae. Adults stop feeding during their spawning migration.

Behaviour

An anadromous migrant schooling at sea, it ascends rivers to spawn. Most individuals do not survive their first spawning.

Indicative biological size

52–55 cm on average according to OFB; a descriptive indication, not a catch rule.

Fishing context and precautions

Identification and protection sheet: no targeted fishing is proposed. In Pyrénées-Atlantiques, freshwater fishing for allis shad, including with planned release, is prohibited in 2026. Observe spawning fish from the bank without trampling the gravel; after an incidental capture, follow site instructions without retaining the fish to confirm its identity.

A distinctive feature

Night-time spawning gatherings produce audible splashes known as “bulls”.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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