American Shad
American Shad are an introduced anadromous species from the Atlantic Coast that have thrived in California since their initial introduction in 1871 near Tehama on the Sacramento River.
- They're the largest members of the herring family, weighing 1-6 pounds with females averaging 2.5 pounds and males 1.5 pounds.
- These silvery, deep-bodied fish have metallic blue backs, saw-toothed scales called 'scutes,' and typically one or more dark spots behind the gills.
Fishing in California
Kings River
Kaweah River
East Fork Kaweah River
Tule River
Deer Creek
Lake Success
Lake Kaweah
Lake Woollomes
Mill Creek
Fresno Slough
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Most abundant from San Francisco north, with established populations in the Sacramento River system (Sacramento, American, Feather, Yuba rivers), Russian River, Eel River, Klamath, Trinity, Mokelumne, and Stanislaus rivers.
Key Locations
- Sacramento River from Red Bluff to Sacramento, American River (Nimbus Dam to Arden Bar), Feather River (peaks Memorial Day weekend), Yuba River below Daguerre Dam, and Russian River (mid-May through June).
- A unique landlocked population exists in Millerton Lake near Fresno.
Specific Spots
- They prefer deeper pools with moderate current during daylight and move to shallower runs and riffles during low-light periods.
American Shad FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for American Shad in California?
1/32-ounce Strike King Mr. Crappie jig heads in white, chartreuse, and pink with 1.5-2 inch curly tail grubs, shad darts up to 1/2 ounce, small flutter spoons like Dick Nites, and small spinners. Chartreuse and hot pink are currently favored colors.
What flies work for American Shad in California?
Size 8-10 short-shank hooks in bright colors (chartreuse, red, pink, orange), shad darts, Clouser minnows, and soft-bodied streamers. Fish deer hair caddis patterns on floating lines during evening hatches.
When is the best time to fish for American Shad in California?
The prime shad fishing season in California runs from mid-April through July, with peak action in May and June.
How do you catch American Shad in California?
Use the swing method: cast across and downstream, let flies sink near bottom, and add jigging motion every 3-5 seconds.
What do American Shad eat?
Shad are primarily plankton feeders in the ocean, but in freshwater they consume zooplankton, insect larvae, crustaceans, and small fish - though they feed minimally during spawning runs.
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