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Skipjack Herring

Skipjack Herring

Skipjack Herring is a highly migratory North American freshwater fish found throughout Tennessee's river systems and reservoirs.

These streamlined, silver-sided fish are renowned for their spectacular leaping ability while feeding, which gives them their common name. They're strongly schooling fish that migrate extensively within river systems.

They serve as crucial forage for trophy striped bass and large catfish, making them highly valued as live bait.

Scientific Name: Alosa chrysochloris

Also known as Tennessee Tarpon, blue herring, golden shad, river shad

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult skipjack typically range 12-18 inches in length, though they can reach up to 21 inches and weigh over 3 pounds.
  • They have a distinctive large terminal mouth with a protruding lower jaw, teeth on both jaws and tongue, and a bluish-green back that transitions to silvery sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Tennessee's river systems and reservoirs, preferring large rivers and reservoirs over sand or gravel substrates.

Key Locations

  • Tennessee River system, Cumberland River, Kentucky Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Cordell Hull Reservoir, Melton Hill Reservoir, Guntersville Reservoir, Melton Hill Reservoir's Bull Run Steam Plant discharge, below dams like Cordell Hull and Nickajack.

Specific Spots

  • Swift-flowing water below dams, main river channels over sand and gravel substrates, current breaks where they school while chasing baitfish, discharge areas of steam plants like Bull Run, below major dams during generation, main river channels with current, around wing dikes where they congregate.

Skipjack Herring FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Skipjack Herring in Tennessee?

Small Rooster Tail spinners, white curly tail grubs, sabiki rigs with multiple small white flies, small crankbaits resembling shad, small jigs with #10 hooks, small spoons, small crappie jigs.

When is the best time to fish for Skipjack Herring in Tennessee?

Best fishing occurs during late fall through early spring when they're not spawning, with winter and early spring providing optimal opportunities. Avoid targeting them during reproductive periods (March-July depending on latitude).

How do you catch Skipjack Herring in Tennessee?

Fish with medium-fast retrieve until you hook a fish, then reel continuously without stopping to prevent them from spitting the hook. Rig sabiki setups with 3-5 white flies spaced 6-12 inches apart on 3-foot leaders, or tie 3-4 white curly tail grubs in tandem.

What do Skipjack Herring eat?

Adult skipjack feed primarily on small fish including threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and other herring species up to 30-35% of their body length, while juveniles consume insects and zooplankton.

Where do Skipjack Herring live in Tennessee?

Found throughout Tennessee's river systems and reservoirs, preferring large rivers and reservoirs over sand or gravel substrates.

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