Species / American Shad
Herring
American Shad Fishing
An Atlantic anadromous herring that runs East Coast rivers in spring. Shad are called the poor man's tarpon for their leaps.
Best Months: Mar to May
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for American Shad
Nothing specific listed for October. Try a neighboring month.
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Rod & Reel
American Shad Setup
American Shad
Fly 9 ft 6 wt rod, sink-tip or full-sink line, small bright shad flies.
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 lb line, shad darts or small spoons.
The US
Where to Catch American Shad
Rivers & Streams · California
American River
A Sacramento area river with spring shad, summer stripers, and winter steelhead.
Striped Bass · American Shad · Steelhead
Rivers & Streams · New York
Delaware River (Upper)
Wild rainbows on the East and West Branches; demanding dry fly fishing on the Catskills border.
Wild Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout · Shad