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American Shad

American Shad

American Shad in Maryland are the largest of all shad species and anadromous fish that spend most of their lives in the Atlantic Ocean, returning to Maryland's freshwater rivers each spring to spawn.

The species is considered depleted coastwide, with Maryland's fisheries closed since 1980, though catch-and-release fishing is permitted.

Scientific Name: Alosa sapidissima

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically measuring 20-24 inches and capable of reaching 30 inches.
  • They're distinguished by a large shoulder spot that may be followed by several faint spots, sharp saw-like scales called 'scutes' along the belly, and a lower jaw that doesn't extend beyond the upper jaw.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Maryland's primary viable American Shad populations are found in the Susquehanna, Nanticoke, and Patuxent Rivers, with restoration efforts ongoing in the Choptank River through hatchery contributions.
  • During their ocean phase, they overwinter along the mid-Atlantic coast from Maryland to North Carolina and migrate northward to summer feeding grounds near the Gulf of Maine after spawning.

Key Locations

  • The Susquehanna River below Conowingo Dam offers the best fishing opportunities, with the tailrace area at Fisherman's Park providing exceptional action.
  • Other productive locations include the Patuxent River from Route 4 at Wayson's Corner upstream to Queen Anne's Bridge off Route 214, the Nanticoke River system, and the Gunpowder River from U.S. Route 40 north to the fall line.

Specific Spots

  • Target current seams where fast water meets slower water.
  • Work depths of 5-7 feet systematically.

American Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for American Shad in Maryland?

Essential fly patterns include shad darts in fluorescent colors - particularly red and yellow combinations, chartreuse, pink, orange, green, and blue on size 4-6 hooks.

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

Mid-April through early May for fishing. Maryland's peak spawning occurring mid-April through early June when temperatures range from 55-68°F (peak at 64°F).

How do you catch American Shad in Maryland?

Present flies by casting across and slightly downstream, allowing the line to swing the fly through current seams where fast water meets slower water. Work depths of 5-7 feet systematically, varying retrieve speeds and adding slight twitches to trigger strikes.

What do American Shad eat?

American Shad are filter feeders that primarily consume plankton, copepods, and mysid shrimp using ram suspension-feeding. In ocean waters, they feed on calanoid copepods like Calanus finmarchicus and euphausid shrimp.

Where do American Shad live in Maryland?

Maryland's primary viable American Shad populations are found in the Susquehanna, Nanticoke, and Patuxent Rivers, with restoration efforts ongoing in the Choptank River through hatchery contributions.

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