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American Shad

American Shad

American Shad in New Hampshire are anadromous members of the herring family that historically supported major runs in the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers, though populations remain severely depleted from colonial times.

Scientific Name: Alosa sapidissima

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult females reach up to 30 inches and 8+ pounds, while males are smaller at 1-3 pounds.
  • They're silvery with bluish-green backs, laterally compressed bodies, and a distinctive row of dark spots behind the gill plate.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Historically supported major runs in the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers.
  • Coastal rivers like the Exeter and Lamprey have virtually extirpated populations, though restoration efforts continue.
  • After spawning, adults return to ocean waters in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy.

Key Locations

  • The Connecticut River offers the best opportunities, particularly below Vernon Dam and in the Ashuelot River area.
  • The Merrimack River near Manchester and the Salmon Falls River also hold fish, though in smaller numbers.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep, slow pools, long flats with moderate current, areas below dams and rapids, tributary mouths, and current seams where shad stack up.

American Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Shad darts in traditional red/white, chartreuse, and hot pink are proven lures, along with small flutter spoons and 1/32-ounce jig heads with curly-tailed grubs.

What flies work for American Shad in New Hampshire?

Use flies sizes 8-10 with fluorescent colors - pink, orange, chartreuse, green, blue, and red are most effective. Productive patterns include simple soft hackles with wool yarn bodies, UV resin-coated flies for extra weight, and bead-head soft hackles (brass or tungsten beads) for low/pressured water.

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

Prime season runs from late April through June when water temperatures reach 55-68°F. During spawning period, anglers should avoid targeting them to protect spawning activities.

How do you catch American Shad in New Hampshire?

Present lures with downstream drifts near bottom, adding jigging motion every 3-5 seconds. Use tandem rigs with heavy flies to reach the zone.

What do American Shad eat?

Shad are filter feeders that consume zooplankton (particularly copepods, mysids, Daphnia, and Bosmina) in the ocean but don't actively feed during freshwater spawning runs, striking lures out of curiosity or aggression.

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