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American Shad

American Shad

American Shad are an exotic anadromous species that have been documented in Idaho's waters, though they are not native to the state.

These silvery, deep-bodied fish from the herring family are classified as game fish by IDAPA, with a global conservation rank of G5 but listed as SNA (state rank not applicable) for Idaho.

Scientific Name: Alosa sapidissima

Also known as poor man's tarpon, freshwater tarpon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery, deep-bodied fish from the herring family.
  • Adult shad typically weigh 3-8 pounds, with females growing larger than males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Idaho's Snake River system, with records dating from 1891 to 1990.

Key Locations

  • Bear Lake, Lower Snake-Asotin, and Upper Snake-Rock watersheds, sections of the Snake River.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep pools, slow-moving currents, and areas below dams or obstructions.

American Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for American Shad in Idaho?

Shad darts (1/32 to 1/2 ounce) in chartreuse, pink, and hot pink colors, small flutter spoons like Dick Nites, and 1/32-ounce jig heads with 1.5-2 inch curly tail grubs in white, chartreuse, and pink.

What flies work for American Shad in Idaho?

Clouser minnows, soft-bodied streamers, and micro jigs weighted with bead-chain eyes in bright colors.

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

Any that might be present would likely be during migration periods. In their native Pacific Coast range, spawning occurs from May to July.

How do you catch American Shad in Idaho?

Fish near the bottom in 5-20 feet of water, using a jigging motion every 3-5 seconds as you drift your offering downstream.

What do American Shad eat?

Primarily plankton feeders, using ram suspension-feeding to filter copepods, mysids, and occasionally small fish from the water column. During their spawning migrations, they cease feeding entirely and instead strike lures out of aggression or curiosity.

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