atlantic herring on the river

I'm sure this has been asked, but I searched and couldn't find it.
So, I know you can't possess river herring. I have a few bags of Atlantic Herring I caught last fall over in Montaulk that I want to use for bait up in the river this year. Is there any restriction on this? If I get checked can ENCON tell the difference in the herring species? ( cause I can't ) Also I was going to get a flat of herring from the tackle shop and break it up into bags. Is that OK to have also?

Yes, you can use Atlantic herring. Atlantic herring is a commercial species that bait dealers sell so you can buy it from them and use it.

Here's a couple good websites from Maryland and Maine that really explains the differences.


River Herring
River Herring 2
River Herring 3
Blueback Herring





Atlantic Herring