Shad

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Shad, celebrated for their spirited fights and prolific migrations, inhabit various bodies of water across the Northeast region of the United States.
These migratory fish are commonly found in rivers, streams, and coastal areas, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for pursuit.
The following bodies of water are popular for shad fishing:
Connecticut: Connecticut River, Housatonic River in the towns of Derby, Shelton, and Stratford, The lower reaches of the Thames River
Massachusetts: Merrimack River, Connecticut River, and the Charles River.
Maine: Kennebec River, Androscoggin River, and the Penobscot River
New Hampshire: Merrimack River, Piscataqua River, Saco River
New Jersey: Delaware River, Raritan River, Musconetcong River, Hudson River
New York: Hudson River, Delaware River, Mohawk River, the Genesee River, and the Chenango River.
Pennsylvania: Susquehanna River, Schuylkill River, Delaware River, and there tributary rivers.
Rhode Island: Pawtuxet River, Blackstone River, Wood River.
Vermont: Connecticut River, Winooski River, Lamoille River.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

During the spawning run, they can be found in the main channel and in shallow, rocky areas near the riverbank.
After spawning, shad will move downstream and will often be found in deep pools, eddies, and behind large rocks and other structures that provide cover. They also tend to congregate near dams and other man-made structures, as well as in areas with a moderate to swift current.

PATTERNS

SPRING

SUMMER

During the warmer months, adult shad will move out to estuary, coastal and oceanic waters where they can be found in schools near the surface. They will frequent areas with ample food source, and can be found around structure such as pilings, rocks and reefs, and near the mouths of rivers and creeks.

FALL

shad fishing is typically not as popular as it is in the spring when the fish are running upstream to spawn, and the catch might not be as consistent or abundant. However, fall can still be a good time to target shad, as the fish are often more concentrated in the lower reaches of the rivers and can be caught using a variety of methods.

WINTER

Shad fishing in the winter in the northeastern United States can be challenging due to the cold temperatures and inclement weather. Most of the fish have migrated to the ocean by this time, and fishing for them in freshwater rivers and streams is generally not productive.