Shad are small, silvery fish that make great bait for bigger fish like bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish. They are also one of the best baits to use when targeting big catfish, especially blue catfish.
Most of the time, shad live in the ocean. But when it’s time to spawn, they swim hundreds of miles up rivers. You can even catch them in freshwater streams, rivers, and sometimes lakes where they’ve been introduced. Members of the herring family, shad are known for their annual shad run, a migration that draws anglers from all over. In fact, there are many varieties of fish in the shad family. The most common are the American shad and the hickory shad. The American shad is considered to be the poor man’s salmon because of its similar appearance and fighting ability.
This guide will teach you how to catch shad, where to find them, and what gear to use.
Where to Find Shad: Follow the Spawning Run
You’ll usually find shad in coastal rivers or waterways that connect two coastal rivers. They like to be in water between 4 to 10 feet in depth. They are most often caught during their spring spawning run. These fish swim far from the ocean into freshwater to spawn, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles.
Even though people call them “poor man’s salmon,” shad don’t die after spawning. They go back to the ocean until the next year. The roe (eggs) of spawning shad is also considered a delicacy by some.
Anglers often catch shad as they swim upstream to their spawning spots. Look for them within 30 feet of the bank. They use the bank to avoid strong currents. They also like to be in deeper water when they can.
Shad also rest behind things in the water like islands, docks, or rocks, and pilings. Cast downstream from these spots and reel your line past where the shad are resting.
When to Fish for Shad: Spring is Best
Shad spawn from late spring to early summer. The best time to fish for them is from the end of April through early June.
In fall and winter, shad go back to the ocean to stay warm.
Many anglers think the best time of day to fish for shad is a few hours before sunset. The shad are trying to eat one last meal before it gets dark.
But during spawning season, you can catch shad all day long. They don’t eat while they’re spawning. To get a bite, you need to annoy them with your lure or fly until they strike.
Gear to Use for Catching Shad: Go Light!
When shad
Size one or two barbless hooks work well. You might have to throw back shad that are too small, and barbless hooks make releasing them easier. Be sure to pinch down the barbs on your hooks.
Flies, beads, and darts are good for fly
Spinner baits work well when
Spoons are great for
You can also use shad darts and jigs tipped with curly-tail grubs to catch American shad. Some anglers find that adding a small piece of fresh shad to their jigs can increase their chances of getting a bite.
A cast net can be a better option for catching large numbers of shad for bait, especially in areas where they are concentrated.
Shad Fishing Tips: Increase Your Chances
- Find the Curves: Bends in a river with strong current are great spots for shad
fishing from shore. Cast near the jutting land where shad will seek shelter and follow the bait inwards. - Single File: Shad swim in lines. If you find one, look for more. Figure out which way they’re swimming. Cast in front of the line. They usually won’t turn into the current to chase food. Once you find the line, keep
fishing that spot. There are usually more than two in the “conga line.” - Try it all: If one fly or lure isn’t working, change it. Shad might not be hungry, or they might be spawning. You might need a bigger, more aggressive lure to get a bite.
- Watch the Water Temperature: Shad are sensitive to water temperature. They prefer water temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to find the right spots.
- Examine the Jaw: Knowing if a fish has an upper jaw that extends beyond its lower jaw can help you identify the species of shad.
- Ask Questions: If you are unsure about a technique or location, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to experienced anglers or at your local tackle shop. This is an essential guide to learning.
Shad as Bait: Fuel for Bigger Fish
Shad are not only fun to catch, but they are also excellent bait for larger fish. Their oily flesh and strong scent make them irresistible to many predator species.
- Catfish: Shad are a top choice for catching catfish, especially blue catfish and channel catfish. You can use them live or as cut bait.
- Bass: Both largemouth and smallmouth bass will readily take shad. They are particularly effective in rivers and lakes where shad are a natural part of the food chain.
- Striped Bass: Striped bass love shad. In many areas, shad are the primary forage for stripers.
- Other Species: Don’t be surprised if you also hook crappie, white perch, or even a tarpon while using shad as bait.
Conclusion
Shad are common baitfish, especially on the East Coast and throughout the Southeast United States. Many freshwater fish eat them. They are also found on the West Coast, particularly in rivers like the Sacramento River, the Columbia River, and the Willamette River in Oregon.
Shad swim from the ocean far up rivers and streams to spawn. With the right gear, techniques, and lures, you can catch plenty of these baitfish. Then you can use them to catch bigger fish! You can even target steelhead with the right setup.
