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Hickory Shad

Hickory Shad

Hickory Shad (Alosa mediocris) are anadromous fish that spend most of their adult life in the Atlantic Ocean but return to Georgia's coastal rivers to spawn.

Scientific Name: Alosa mediocris

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their gray-green coloration above with silvery sides, large prominent scales, and a protruding lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw.
  • These fish typically reach 1-3 pounds, with females averaging 37cm (15 inches) and males 34cm (13 inches).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The Altamaha River supports the majority of Georgia's hickory shad population and commercial fishery.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam on the Savannah River, the Ogeechee River near the U.S. Highway 80 Bridge, the Ogeechee River near Highway 280, and the Altamaha River below Juliette Dam.
  • They're found in Georgia's major coastal rivers including the Altamaha, Savannah, Ogeechee, Satilla, and St.
  • Mary's rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas that concentrate fish such as below dams, shoals, pinches in rivers, and current eddies.

Hickory Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Hickory Shad in Georgia?

Use small grubs, spoons, or spinners that create flash - curl tail grubs are particularly effective. Shad darts or small spoons.

What flies work for Hickory Shad in Georgia?

Fly fishing is highly productive using streamers with flash, small Clouser minnows, or Crazy Charlie patterns. Popular fly colors include chartreuse and red, white and pink, orange and silver, yellow and orange, and bubblegum pink with electric blue.

When is the best time to fish for Hickory Shad in Georgia?

The best time to target hickory shad in Georgia is after their spawning period concludes, typically from late May through fall when they're actively feeding. During spawning season (January-May), they should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch Hickory Shad in Georgia?

Focus on main river channels and avoid back pockets, casting upstream into current and retrieving as lures sink and drift downstream.

What do Hickory Shad eat?

Hickory Shad are piscivorous, feeding primarily on small fish (97% by weight on spawning grounds), along with crustaceans and squid.

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