Twaite shad
Alosa fallax
Twaite shad (Alosa fallax) is a saltwater fish found in UK waters. Coastal seas and estuaries, running into rivers such as the Severn, Wye and Usk to spawn. It is listed as protected, so return it — and check the current law before you fish.
- Max length
- 55 cm
- Max weight
- 1.5 kg
- Water
- Saltwater
- How often
- Rare
Updated
Protected species
Do not target. Return any accidental capture immediately, in the water where possible.
Source pending human verification — check the current law before you fish.
What it looks like
Similar to allis shad but generally smaller and slimmer, with a row of several dark spots running back along the upper flank. Silver-sided, blue-green above, with the same sharp belly keel.
Twaite shad are protected in the UK and several of their spawning rivers are designated for their conservation. Barriers to migration remain the main threat.
If you hook one
Bait
Not a target species — protected by law.
Rig
Not applicable. Return any accidental capture immediately.
When
Spring, in the lower and middle reaches of a few western rivers.
Where
Known spawning rivers. Do not target them.
Season: Spring spawning runs, typically May.
Easy to confuse with
Questions anglers ask
- Why are shad protected?
- Both UK shad species depend on free access to river spawning gravels. Weirs and dams cut those routes, and populations collapsed. They are now legally protected.
- What should I do if I catch one by accident?
- Return it immediately, in the water where possible, with minimal handling and no photographs that delay release.
