Hickory Shad
Hickory shad are anadromous fish that range along the Atlantic Coast from Florida to the Gulf of Maine, with the current northern boundary at Cape Cod, Massachusetts and highest abundances occurring from New York southward.
- These elongate, laterally compressed fish have green-gray backs with iridescent silver sides, dark spots on their shoulders, and serrated belly scales.
- Distinguished from American shad by their protruding lower jaw, they average 13-18 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds, 14 ounces (current IGFA world record).
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They inhabit inshore marine waters, back bays of Long Island, and nearshore coastal areas.
Key Locations
- Target them in Long Island's back bays, nearshore coastal waters, and around open beaches.
Specific Spots
- Target them where they school while feeding on baitfish.
Hickory Shad FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Hickory Shad in New York?
Use small, shiny offerings that mimic their preferred forage: diamond jigs (like Ava 007 with red tubes), Kastmasters, sand eel imitations, small bucktail teasers, soft plastics, and epoxy jigs.
What flies work for Hickory Shad in New York?
Small saltwater baitfish patterns, Clouser minnows in sizes 1/0 to 2, and shrimp patterns.
When is the best time to fish for Hickory Shad in New York?
In New York, they arrive in back bays of Long Island as early as the first week of May but typically appear in the Northeast by early June, remaining through late fall. Adults spawn in freshwater rivers from December through June (with timing varying by latitude), so avoid targeting fish during spring spawning runs.
How do you catch Hickory Shad in New York?
Cast across current and let flies swing. Look for feeding activity marked by diving birds and surface commotion.
What do Hickory Shad eat?
Hickory shad are piscivorous, feeding primarily on small fish including spearing, bay anchovies, sand eels, grass shrimp, and peanut bunker, with crustaceans and squid also contributing to their diet.
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