Alosa sapidissima

White shad

f/s

American shad are green or greenish-blue with metallic tones on the back. Silvery sides line a compressed body. The upper jaw has a smaller or larger median notch and the lower jaw does not protrude beyond the upper jaw. American shad will sometimes have a few spots on their sides behind the shoulder.

This is an anadromous species that lives most of its life at sea but moves upstream to spawn. They will not tolerate water temperatures below 41F degrees.

Shad are primarily plankton feeders, but they will also eat small crustaceans, eggs and insect larvae.

Shad can grow 2 to 4 inches long when they leave the river ( at 6 to 10 months of age). Then they can reach up to 30 inches.

Shad are very strong fighters that can perform long runs and get airborne. They stop feeding during their spawning run, but will hit a well-presented lure on reflex. Historically the sport fishery is mostly a troll boat fishery one with some spin casting from the shoreline. Trollers will usually pull bright spoons, with a #6 hook, upstream. In recent times, fly fishing has become very extensive. Flyfishermen should use small streamers on fast-sinking line.

Their flesh is good when smoked. The roe is excellent.