Skip to main content

American Shad

American Shad

American Shad are anadromous fish that are not native to Tennessee waters, though they have been documented as transplants in various Tennessee River reservoirs and tributaries.

These large members of the herring family are primarily plankton feeders in their marine environment.

Scientific Name: Alosa sapidissima

Also known as roe shad (females)

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by its silvery body with a distinctive black spot behind the gill cover, followed by smaller spots along the sides.
  • Adult shad weigh between 3-8 pounds, with females (roe shad) typically larger than males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Tennessee's river systems, they would typically inhabit deeper, flowing waters of major rivers like the Tennessee River and its tributaries.

Key Locations

  • Tennessee River system and major tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • Areas below dams, current breaks, deep pools with moderate flow, and areas where tributaries meet main channels.
  • During spawning season, they select hard-bottom areas including gravel beds, rocky substrates, and areas with current flow.

American Shad FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Shad darts in chartreuse, pink, white, and red/white color schemes, ranging from 1/32 to 1/2 ounce depending on current strength. Small flutter spoons, 1-2 inch curly tail grubs on jig heads, and willow leaf spoons.

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

Spring migration period from late April through early June. They spawn when temperatures reach 65-68°F, typically in spring when they would ascend rivers from April through June.

How do you catch American Shad in Tennessee?

Casting slightly downstream and across current, allowing lures to drift near bottom while imparting jigging motions every 3-5 seconds by lifting the rod tip 12 inches. From shore, position upstream of target water and work lures through entire runs systematically.

What do American Shad eat?

Primarily plankton feeders in their marine environment, using specialized gill rakers to filter copepods, mysids, and occasionally small fish from the water column.

Where do American Shad live in Tennessee?

In Tennessee's river systems, they would typically inhabit deeper, flowing waters of major rivers like the Tennessee River and its tributaries.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you American Shad.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every American Shad water

    Pick American Shad and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch American Shad

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where American Shad are.

Open the map, filter by American Shad, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Tennessee licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.