With only 21 shad passing for the year at York Haven, a very disappointing 2008 season ended on June 12. The 2008 passage season was poor due to a combination of weak year classes and sustained high water flows and low water temperatures during the early portion of the run in April and most of May. These environmental conditions further limited movement of those fish that were present in the river.

Low numbers of shad passing Safe Harbor dam meant that few fish would be available to reach the fish-way at York Haven. By the time they did, unseasonably warm weather prevailed and water temperatures quickly climbed beyond those preferred for spawning. This can cause the urge to continue migrating upstream to weaken considerably. In addition, spent shad which had already spawned due to the rising water temperatures, were observed passing the viewing windows with increasing frequency. Hence, the decision was made by the appropriate agencies to discontinue upstream American shad passage for this year.

Weekly passage reports are provided below.