AMERICAN SHAD: A SPRING CHALLENGE

The American shad is an adadromous fish and like the salmon it ascends coastal rivers to spawn. The American shad generally tips the scales at between 11/2 and 8 pounds with a maximum weight of about 12 pounds and prefers main rivers. The American shad has become a popular quarry for spring anglers and provides great sport.

ATLANTIC DISTRIBUTION

Although shad are found as far north as the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the sport really has it’s roots in Connecticut. The Salmon River in Leesville and the Connecticut River north of Hartford are the meccas of shaddom. In Massachusetts, the Merrimack River draws good numbers of fishermen as soon as the word is out that the shad have returned. American shad can be found all along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida. Shad spawn earlier in the southern states, usually during March and later in the north, usually in May. Migration of the fish is triggered by water temperature

LIFE HISTORY

Shad enter the sport fishery during their spawning runs. Generally in their southern reaches shad reproduce only once but in their northern reaches a large population of shad spawn two or three times. Tagging studies have revealed that a large number of shad return to their parental streams but a significant number of fish exhibit no migratory patterns. Shad tagged in the Hudson River have been recaptured in the Bay of Fundy and shad tagged in Maine have been found in different river systems from Connecticut to Georgia.

Newly hatched shad will generally spend the summer in the river they were hatched in. During the fall they will leave the river and enter salt water where they will spend the next 2 to 5 years before returning to fresh water to start the cycle all over again.

ANGLING TECHNIQUES

American shad are caught in a number of different ways depending on the location and type of waters they are fished. Trolling with spinning or bait casting tackle is a popular method is some locations. The standard procedure is to troll with small silver spoons. The spoon is presented close to the bottom and manipulated with short, snappy jerks. However, casting can be just as effective and allows for the angler to impart a much wider variety of erratic movements to the lure. When fishing the faster currents of many northern rivers experienced anglers prefer to let their lures "hang" in the currents.

Fly fishing for shad has steadily gained in popularity since shad were first discovered inn local waters. Many times a shad fly is presented by anglers using light spinning gear. Most feel that this technique is the best of both worlds. Fly fishing is most effective in the shallow rivers that have fast running currents. A wide variety of shad flies have grown from the original patterns. Flies with white wings and tinsel bodies are popular in some areas while brightly colored flies are popular in other locations. Flies in sizes 2,4 and 6 are the most effective. The traditional shad fly makes use of a red bead. It was once believed that the red, glass bead was necessary to attract the shad. Today it has been proven that the red bead is really a fisherman’s preference. One of the reasons that fishermen were convinced that the red bead was needed was probably due to the fact that the bead caused the fly to sink faster and remain in deeper water. Current anglers will add 2 or 3 beads to their leaders and report great success. Red, orange, orange-red, pink and yellow beads are all acceptable choices. Even beads followed by a bare hook will attract shad.

Fly fishermen generally prefer weighted flies. Most wrap the shank of the hook with lead or copper wire before creating their favorite fly pattern. Sinking fly lines and fast sinking line are an advantage for fly fishermen working rivers. The fly is generally cast up and across the river letting the current sweep the fly across the river. The fisherman must also work the fly imparting short, swift jerks. A fly rod designed for bass bugging is generally a good choice as flies are weighted and the fish can run big.

SPINNING AND BAIT-CASTING

There are no establisher equipment requirements for the taking of shad. A five foot bait-casting rod with a compatible reel is the choice of many. The reel should be spooled with 12 lb. braided line or 6 lb. monofilament line. If your choice is braided line then the addition of a 24 inch mono leader is dictated.

Spinning gear choices are usually a 6 to 61/2 foot rod equipped with an appropriate reel and spooled with 6 to 8 pound monofilament line.

A wide variety of lures are used in the pursuit of shad. In this area the use of shad darts is very common. White and yellow are common but many fluorescent colors are used. Combinations of colors are preferred by many anglers. Although white or yellow bucktail tied to the dart is considered to be the norn throughout many areas, local anglers prefer a variety of bright colors. In the local area, tandem rigged darts and darts rigged with a dropper are the most popular choices. The dropper used in the local fishery is both effective and simple. A size 2,4 or 6 gold aberdeen hook with a piece of red yarn wrapped around the shank of the hook is all that is required for this very effective dropper. The dropper should be positioned about 20 inches behind the shad dart.

SHAD LOCATIONS

In this area the most popular location for shad fishing is the Merrimack River. The first fish of the season will be caught along the Rocks Village section of the river. Fishermen line the banks casting a wide assortment of lures to moving fish. As time moves on, fish move up the river. Just below the Essex Dam in Lawrence is a very popular location and fishing conditions, at times, can be quite crowded. Fishing the main river currents are productive but the currents created by the discharge of water at the sluiceways is also very worthwhile. Not only do shore fishermen do well in this area, but boat fishermen using car toppers also work the river. The area below the Rt. 495 bridge is also popular and productive. There is a small ea behind the restaurant that is also productive.

This is a fishery that provides anglers with plenty of action and a great challenge. Don’t be surprised if you lose a few fish before you finally catch on the angling techniques necessary to master the shad. Keep you eyes open and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more time you spend on the river the more fish you will bring to net.