10 Shad Fishing Tips

 Do you fish for shad? Would you like to catch more shad? In this article, we share shad fishing tips to help you catch more shad.

1. Best Time For Shad

The best time to fish for Shad is during the spring and summer when they return to the rivers. Fish in the spring and summer. 

Shad spend their autumns and winters in the ocean, so the best time to fish them is during the spring and summer when they return to the rivers for much easier access. Most people begin fishing Shad in April and May.

2. Strong Current

Fish where there is a strong current. Position yourself so you face the current. This allows you to catch the fish as they swim upstream. Be on the lookout for areas where there is a bend in the river as the current will be faster there and it will propel the fish toward the shore.

3. Where To Find Shad

Look for shad below rocks, islands, and where water flows from fast to slow. Shad can also be found behind a cover that creates a break in the current.

4. Patterns of Shad

Study the patterns of shad. Its location in the water varies with the weather patterns. Search for shad in the early morning or right before daylight during the spring and summer.

In the evenings, you can find shad in warmer water towards the back of a cove or creek. You will also find shad around light sources in the mornings or after dark.

You will have to plan around cold weather patterns in the fall. Shad will be pushed out of the creeks and coves to deeper water by colder currents making it more difficult to catch shad.

5. Best Way To Fish Shad

Casting upstream and letting your line float downstream with little current is the best way to fish shad. If you would like to learn more shad fishing tips, then click this link.

6. Single File Lines

Shad travel in single file lines and not in large groups. Do everything to find the line. When you find the shad line, keep fishing it. Cast in the same place more than one time. If you found one shad, there are many more in that area.

7. How Shad Swims?

Shad swim close to the shore, usually within 30 to 45 feet of land. This makes it ideal for bank anglers although it is easier for boaters who can occupy the migration lanes.

8. When Shad Spawn

You will have to incite a strike from shad when they spawn since they don’t feed when spawning. Casting shad darts and crappie jig heads in bright colors like chartreuse and green might get the strike for the shad.

9. Best Bait For Shad

Small, artificial lures such as jigs, spoons, spinners, and similar lures are the best bait for American shad. Shiny or bright-colored lures are the best to use.

10. Shad Schools

Shad travel in schools. If you find a school, follow it and the reward is that you will catch fish all day. If you found schools and learned where they will pass during their migrations, you can set up in that area. You might not have to wait long for results.

Conclusion

Shad fishing involves knowledge and skills to be successful. In this article, we share tips to catch more shad. If you would like to learn more about fishing, then click this link.