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American Shad

American Shad

Alabama Shad (Alosa alabamae) are an anadromous species closely related to American Shad but endemic to Gulf Coast drainages.

Once abundant enough to support commercial fisheries, Alabama Shad populations have declined dramatically - they now occur in only 10% of their historic freshwater range and are extirpated from 60 rivers across the Southeastern and Midwestern United States.

Scientific Name: Alosa alabamae

Physical Characteristics:
  • These silvery, elongate fish grow 12-18 inches and weigh up to 3 pounds, with 42-48 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch and a distinctive median notch in the upper jaw.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Adult Alabama Shad are schooling fish that prefer medium to large flowing rivers with moderate currents, sand and gravel substrates, and areas with limestone outcroppings.
  • The species' preference for moderate current areas over sand and gravel substrates near limestone outcroppings, combined with their anadromous life cycle requiring both fresh and saltwater access, makes them extremely vulnerable to habitat modifications.

Key Locations

  • Current populations are found only in the Choctawhatchee and Conecuh river systems in southeastern Alabama.
  • In Alabama specifically, recent records are extremely limited, with only single adults collected in the Alabama River below Claiborne (1993) and Millers Ferry (1995) locks and dams.
  • The species has been extirpated from key rivers in its namesake state, including the Black Warrior River system.
  • The species historically inhabited the Mobile Bay drainage system and was once found throughout Alabama's river systems.

Specific Spots

  • Moderate current areas over sand and gravel substrates near limestone outcroppings.
  • Juveniles utilize sandbar habitats when small, transitioning to open channel and bank habitats as they grow.

American Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for American Shad in Alabama?

They enter to spawn from March through early May when water temperatures reach 65-68°F. However, this spawning period should be avoided entirely to protect the remaining breeding populations. They spawn from February through May when water temperatures reach 65-72°F, with peak activity in March-April.

How do you catch American Shad in Alabama?

Alabama Shad fishing opportunities in Alabama are extremely limited due to the species' critically low populations and restricted range. The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division protects this fish from capture or possession, making it illegal to target or keep.

What do American Shad eat?

During freshwater residence, adults feed very little - stomach analyses show mostly empty stomachs or unidentifiable green substances.

Where do American Shad live in Alabama?

Adult Alabama Shad are schooling fish that prefer medium to large flowing rivers with moderate currents, sand and gravel substrates, and areas with limestone outcroppings.

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