The Fishing Industry in Pennsylvania: Part Two

Shad Fishing (con't)

In the early 1800s, the construction of the three dams hurt the shad fishing. The Shawmont and Reading Dams on the Schuylkill River were built to make the river more travelable by boat. The Fairmount Dam also on the Schuylkill made a reservoir for a water works company that provided water for Philadelphia.

The dams prevented Read More

The Fishing Industry in Pennsylvania

American Shad

            The American shad is a silver-colored fish with a greenish band along its back and dark spots along the top of its sides. This species is the largest member of the herring family. In weight, American shad average from four to seven pounds and can be anywhere between 16 and 30 inches long.

Prior to the late 1800s, large groups of American shad grew to maturity in the Atlantic Ocean, and then made their way up rivers in April and May. After reaching the Pennsylvania waters Read More