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The American shad, Alosa sapidissima, is a migratory fish primarily found along the Atlantic coast. Known for its silvery body and vigorous upstream spawning runs, it is a favored target for anglers. American shad spend most of their lives in the ocean, migrating to freshwater rivers to spawn.
Length
~20" (max 30)
Weight
~1" (max 3)
Water
Fresh, salt, brackish
Depth
375 ft
Clam Leech Flutter Spoon
Crappie Jigs
Herring
Sardines
Shad Darts
Worms-
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American shad are schooling fish, traveling along coastal areas until they reach maturity.
They prefer deeper waters during the winter, moving to rivers and shallower areas for spawning.
Shad are found in both brackish and freshwater environments during different life stages.
Post-spawning, adults return to the ocean, while juveniles remain in freshwater for a year.
Spawning begins when water temperatures reach optimal levels, with males arriving first.
Shad spawn in shallow waters, typically overnight, releasing large quantities of eggs.
Northern shad can spawn multiple times throughout their lives, while southern shad usually spawn once.
Juveniles feed on insect larvae and zooplankton in freshwater before migrating to the ocean.
