Hickory Shad
Hickory Shad are native anadromous fish in Connecticut that have experienced a remarkable range expansion since the 1990s.
Prior to then, they visited Connecticut only in low numbers during fall, but have since become annual visitors to estuaries with increasing reports in rivers during spring.
The summer/fall recreational fishery is gaining popularity as part of their natural range expansion into Southern New England.
Scientific Name: Alosa mediocris
Also known as poor man's tarpon
- Silver-sided fish distinguished by their strongly projecting lower jaw that creates an underbite, a single dark shoulder spot often followed by faint spots, and dark greenish to gray backs.
- They commonly measure 15-20 inches with Connecticut's state record being 2 pounds, 18 inches.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found in bays and mouths of larger rivers during summer and fall, commonly reaching as far up the Connecticut River as East Haddam, with reports extending to Wethersfield and Hartford.
- They rarely venture far upstream of salt water.
Key Locations
- Housatonic, Connecticut River (especially near East Haddam), other larger river mouths and estuaries, nearshore reefs in Long Island Sound.
Specific Spots
- Lower sections of rivers, river mouths and estuaries, slow or sheltered water on edges of fast current where they stage to rest, nearshore reefs.
Hickory Shad FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Hickory Shad in Connecticut?
Small spinners, spoons, jigs, diamond jigs, Kastmasters, bright flutter spoons, shad darts, and minnow imitations in pink, orange, chartreuse, red, and yellow. On reefs use 1.5-ounce jigs in gold, silver, or white.
What flies work for Hickory Shad in Connecticut?
Flashy-tailed clouser minnows, soft-bodied streamers, darts, and 1/64 oz micro jigs with bead-chain or hourglass eyes. Popular patterns include bright e.g.g-like flies with pink, purple, or chartreuse heads and silver baitfish bodies with short tails to prevent short strikes.
When is the best time to fish for Hickory Shad in Connecticut?
Late March through early May for the spring run, and again in late fall through late November.
How do you catch Hickory Shad in Connecticut?
Cast across current allowing lures to sink 5-20 feet deep, then retrieve as fast as possible or with light jigging motions. On reefs in Long Island Sound, drift 1.5-ounce jigs in gold, silver, or white, bumping bottom then retrieving 8-10 cranks before dropping back.
What do Hickory Shad eat?
Unlike other Connecticut herring that feed on zooplankton, Hickory Shad are piscivorous predators that prey on small fishes including juvenile shad, menhaden, spearing, bay anchovies, sand eels, grass shrimp, and peanut bunker.
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