American Shad
American Shad are anadromous fish that historically inhabited Vermont's Connecticut River system but are now extremely rare in the state.
These silvery, deep-bodied members of the herring family are known for their spectacular fighting ability, often making long runs and impressive aerial displays when hooked, earning them the nickname 'poor man's tarpon.'
Scientific Name: Alosa sapidissima
Also known as poor man's tarpon
- Silvery, deep-bodied members of the herring family can reach lengths of 24 inches for females and 20 inches for males, with females weighing 4-6 pounds and males 2-3 pounds.
Fishing in Vermont
Lake Champlain
Winooski River
Lamoille River
Otter Creek
Boquet River
Saranac River
Lake George
New Haven River
Schroon River
Hudson River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Their native range in Vermont was limited to the Connecticut River and its tributaries, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Key Locations
- Connecticut River and its tributaries, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Specific Spots
- Fish deep pools, slow runs, current seams, and areas below obstructions where shad tend to rest during their upstream migration.
American Shad FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for American Shad in Vermont?
Traditional shad darts in chartreuse, hot pink, fluorescent orange, green, blue, and red are highly effective, as are small flutter spoons and 1/32-ounce jig heads with 1.5-2 inch curly tail grubs.
What flies work for American Shad in Vermont?
Small bright patterns in sizes 8-10, including soft hackle wet flies with brass or tungsten beads, UV resin-coated flies for extra weight, and simple patterns tied with fluorescent wool yarn bodies and contrasting hackle colors like pink/yellow, orange/green, or orange/yellow combinations.
When is the best time to fish for American Shad in Vermont?
Late spring through early summer when water temperatures reach 55-68°F. Peak spawning occurs at 65.3°F, typically between April and June.
How do you catch American Shad in Vermont?
Present lures and flies near the bottom with periodic jigging motions every 3-5 seconds, as shad are attracted to erratic movement. Cast slightly down and across current, allowing offerings to swing downstream while maintaining bottom contact. Use barbless hooks to minimize damage during catch-and-release fishing.
What do American Shad eat?
These filter-feeding fish primarily consume plankton, copepods, and mysid shrimp when in marine waters, but feeding largely ceases during their freshwater spawning runs.
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