shad

I heard somewhere that shad can be caught on the fly? Is this true? and can they be caught from the mystic river in MA?

Thanks

Don't know about the Mystic, but there's lots of other rivers where you can flyfish for them - Potomac, Susquehanna, Rappahannock, Delaware, etc. If I want to fish in style, I'll use something like a Comet or Mickey Finn, but if they're down deep, I'll use crappie jigs I buy at W Mart. They're terrific fighters on proper tackle and jump like their big cousins - tarpon.

Regards,
ScottP

In this seasons, Feb/March Gray's Sporting Journal on page 50 is a story about Shad fishing and a fly recipe for "Fred's Shad Fly". I just sent some of these to a friend who fishes shad on the Sacramento River in California every spring. Don't know if they work but they look a little like the shad jigs we've used when I fished with him when I visited. hook TMC 5623 in size 8 or 10. 3/16 inch cone head in hot orange (my friend likes red). A tail of 6 to 12 strands of Krystal flash that extends a little past the bend of the hook. Body of flourescent green chenille (light green). That's it pretty much. Looks like it ought to work. I weighted mine with some wraps of lead or what ever substitutes for it these days.

Anthony,
These little thingies worked real well on the American this last summer for the finicky late season fish there.
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/leesoares/CIMG0989.jpg:99da8]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/leesoares/CIMG0989.jpg[/url:99da8]

We also use a bug done with chartreuse amnesia over tinsel that has done well from the Columbia R. Wa. to the trib of the Sac R. here on the west coast.
Let us know if'n you want a pic of the "mono" bug....we'll make one up. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif
....lee s.
PS - Just about any small flashy bug will work for shad if you put it at their level. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/wink.gif

Anthony,

I don't know for sure, but would assume the answer to your question about the Mystic is yes. I fish for Shad with flies on the Connecticut River and know that there is also a strong run on the Merrimac river. If you can get to the Merrimac it might be worth your while.

There are a number of flies that will work. They should be weighted as Shad are usually on the bottom of the river as they make their way upstream. Shad darts work on a fly rod as well. If you have sinking line that is also helpful.

There are may theories about why Shad attack flies or darts when they are spawning, most of them assume it is not because of food as they are not really eating at this time. I think the general asumption is that they are defending their territory or that they are just very aggressive and will go after anything in their way.

jed

Lee, that is a great looking little shad dart/fly. Crystal hair, then mylar tubing with the rear end frayed a bit? The front is over some sort of weight ? Epoxy? Looks like a fairly quick tie.

Anthony, I've caught a few inadvertently, and they were a ball. I hear that the Indian River in Massachusetts is a great shad fishery. I hope to give it a shot this year.

Micus,

Indianhead is definitely a good place to catch shad and it's only 15 minutes from my house. Last years run wasn't that good but it wasn't good anywhere. The herring runs around the area were also down a bit last year.

Maybe I'll see you down there.

-----
Rich

[This message has been edited by quillg (edited 27 February 2006).]

there is a great run of shad in the northwest rivers. Thier a real kick to fish for, fun fighter and lots of action to be had with a little homework.
Ghost

Mantis,
Quick and easy, yes. Epoxy, yes, on the tubing. Weighted, no. We use line density to get it to "the level".
Often works well on stuff that is keyed on real small fry too....BG's, LM's, crappies, stripers......yata yata. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/wink.gif http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif
Shown on #10 iron.