Fresh & salt
American Shad
Alosa sapidissima
- Peak season
- Spring (March-May, spawning run)
- Length range
- 30–60 cm
- Weight range
- 0.5–5 kg
- Typical depth
- 0–20 m
Habitat
Atlantic Ocean and coastal rivers from Canada to Florida. Anadromous — runs up rivers to spawn in spring.
Behavior
Largest North American herring that stops feeding in freshwater but strikes small lures aggressively. Acrobatic fighter.
Best techniques
- Small shad darts in river current
- Fly fishing with bright wet flies
- Ultralight spinning with small spoons
- Flutter spoons drifted in current
