Herring
American Shad Fishing in Virginia
An Atlantic anadromous herring that runs East Coast rivers in spring. Shad are called the poor man's tarpon for their leaps.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- Virginia
- Water
- Fresh & Salt
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Prime Months in Virginia: Apr
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
From the agency months on 1 Virginia water: James River (Tidal).
Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty.
What to Use for American Shad
Fishing In
American Shad
Prime: Apr
Fly
9 ft 6 wt rod, sink-tip or full-sink line, small bright shad flies.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 6 wt Fly RodCheck Price
- ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 5 and 6 weightCheck Price
- LineScientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line · 6 wt., Float/Sink 3 or Float/Sink 6Check Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from March, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Fly for March · #4-12Woolly BuggerBright colors.See Options
- Fly for March · #2/0-6Clouser MinnowSmall sizes.See Options
Spin / Cast
6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 lb line, shad darts or small spoons.
Rod, Reel and Line
- Rod & ReelUgly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo · 7 ft ultralight rod, size 25 reelCheck Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 6 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from March, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Lure for March · 1/16 to 1/4 ozShad DartSee Options
- Lure for March · 1/16 to 1 ozCasting SpoonSmall sizes.See Options
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Virginia fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Where to Catch American Shad
1 of 1 waters
