Freshwater
American Shad
Where to find them, how to catch them and the tackle to use.
01Introduction
The American shad is the largest member of the herring family: a silver, deep-bodied fish that spends most of its life at sea and returns each spring to the river where it was born to spawn. On light tackle, shad are strong, acrobatic fighters, and the spring run is a rite of spring on East Coast rivers. Most run 15 to 24 inches and 4 to 8 pounds.
02Where to Catch
Range: the Atlantic coast from Labrador and New Brunswick to the St. Johns River in Florida; shad were also introduced on the Pacific coast. Dams, pollution and overfishing depleted many runs, and dam removals and fishways are reopening some rivers.
When: the run timing moves with latitude, from as early as November in the South to July in New England and Canada. In the Mid-Atlantic, the run typically builds from March and peaks from mid-April into early June, with spawning in the mid-50s to high 60s°F.
Where in the river: shad move upstream in "lanes" along current seams and bottom structure, often in the main channel when flows are normal or low and closer to shore when the river is high. Very high water can stall the run, with fish holding in calmer water behind structure until it drops.
03How to Catch
Timing
Early morning, dusk and a moving tide (in tidal rivers) are best. Shad have to see the lure, so muddy, debris-filled water fishes poorly.
From shore
Cast a shad dart, small flutter spoon or small jig with a curly-tail grub slightly upstream, let it sink, and let it swing and bounce near the bottom on a tight line. If you're not getting hit, add split shot; the lure needs to be close to the bottom. Vary the retrieve: a few turns, a pause, a twitch. Many strikes come on the pause or twitch. Brighter, heavier lures work in high, stained water; smaller ones in low, clear water.
From a boat
Anchor in a shad lane and hold darts or spoons in the current behind the boat with added weight or downriggers, or troll slowly.
On the fly
Shad also take small, bright flies fished through the same lanes.
Releasing shad
Shad have paper-thin mouths and lose scales easily. Play them on a light drag, land them in a rubber net and release them without lifting them from the water. Warmer water late in the run makes released fish less likely to survive.
04Tackle
A long, light or ultralight spinning rod with 6-pound line and a soft drag. Carry shad darts in bright colors, small flutter spoons, small jigheads with grubs, and split shot. Shad rules vary widely: many states allow catch-and-release only. Check your state's regulations.
05Questions anglers ask
Why do shad hit lures if they don't eat on the run?
American shad stop feeding when they enter rivers to spawn, but they still strike small jigs, darts, spoons and flies, apparently out of reflex or aggression. The lure has to pass right in front of them.
Can I keep American shad?
It depends on the river. Many states have closed their shad fisheries or allow catch-and-release only because of long-term declines, while a few rivers allow limited harvest. Check your state's rules before you go.
How do I tell an American shad from a hickory shad?
American shad are larger and their lower jaw doesn't stick out past the upper; a hickory shad's lower jaw projects noticeably. American shad also have a dark shoulder spot often followed by a row of fainter spots.