Skip to main content

Gizzard Shad

Gizzard Shad

Gizzard Shad are relatively new inhabitants to Arizona waters, having established populations in major reservoirs.

These temperature-sensitive fish cannot tolerate rapid temperature fluctuations or prolonged cold periods, and typically don't survive in waters with ice cover lasting 100+ days.

Their rapid reproduction and growth rates allow them to quickly dominate ecosystems, though this has negatively impacted native forage species like bluegill in Arizona reservoirs.

Scientific Name: Dorosoma cepedianum

Physical Characteristics:

Silver-bodied fish with distinctive blunt noses and elongated dorsal fin rays. They typically grow 8-14 inches in Arizona waters, with 95% exceeding 8 inches - making them too large for average largemouth bass to consume effectively.

These 15-inch fish are strong fighters when hooked.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Major reservoirs in Arizona waters

Key Locations

Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River, Lake Havasu (particularly Site Six and Bill Williams Arm), and Lake Mead

Specific Spots

Boat ramps, marinas (especially early morning around dock lights), rocky structure, concrete bridge pillars, and areas with algae growth

Gizzard Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Gizzard Shad in Arizona?

Best time to target them is during late fall through winter when they form large, dense schools in shallow areas. Avoid targeting them during spawning periods in late spring/early summer when water temperatures reach 50-70°F.

How do you catch Gizzard Shad in Arizona?

Cast net fishing targeting areas where birds are active or electronics show dense fish concentrations. For angling, cast a few feet ahead of moving schools.

What do Gizzard Shad eat?

Filter feeders that primarily consume phytoplankton and zooplankton during early life stages, switching to detritus and algae as adults.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Gizzard Shad.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Gizzard Shad water

    Pick Gizzard Shad and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Gizzard Shad

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Gizzard Shad are.

Open the map, filter by Gizzard Shad, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Arizona licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Arizona waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.