Where are the shad?

American shad can now be found from Cook Inlet in Alaska southward to Baja California in Mexico. They can also be found along the Kamchatka Peninsula. HABITAT: Adult American Shad spend the majority of their lives in the ocean.

Where can I catch shad in NJ?

American shad fishing is almost synonomous with the Delaware River in New Jersey. Angling for shad on the Delaware usually begins around the end of March near the warmwater effluent of a power plant in Trenton.

What time of year do shad run?

California’s shad runs generally start in early to mid-April and last through at least June. The season really hits its stride in May, with some of the best fishing being mid-May through mid-June.

Where are the shad in the Delaware River?

For centuries, the shad spawn has been celebrated by Delaware watershed fishermen and -women, from the South Jersey Bayshore all the way up to the confluence of the river’s west and east branches in Hancock, New York, some 200 miles away.

Is shad a good fish to eat?

“Shad is a great fish to eat, it’s very healthy for you, and you’re supporting a local fishery that’s sustainable.” Shad, a large member of the herring family, are famously bony fish. But for most people, the real prize is the shad roe. These eggs are delicate, and they’re best in a sauté of butter.

Can I fish for shad?

Along the coast of Florida and Georgia, shad are considered one of the most popular winter fish to target. Farther south, there is some great shad fishing in California, including big runs on the Sacramento River and several tributaries and in select coastal rivers, such as the Russian River.

Are shad fish good to eat?

What is the best bait to catch shad?

The most common shad bait is a small jig known as a shad dart. Shad darts have a fairly light lead head, usually with a tail made of feathers, marabou or tinsel. Most of the small jigs commonly used for crappie and bluegill can also be used to catch shad.

What lures to use for shad?

Here is the list of my top 10 baits to throw during the shad spawn.

• #1 – Spinnerbait. The spinnerbait is the best.
• #2 – Swim Jig. I love a white swim jig here.
• #3 – Swimbait. This is a 4” to 7” size tail thumping swim bait.
• #4 – Finesse Swim Bait.
• #5 – Hollow Frog.
• #6 – Shallow Crankbait.
• #7 – Buzzbait.
• #8 – Chatterbait.

Can you eat shad?

Can you smoke shad?

Smoke over alder or hardwoods for 1-3 hours, depending on the heat. You want the shad to slowly collect smoke, and cook very slowly. Under no circumstances do you want the heat to get above 180°F. Remove and let cool at room temperature before packing away in the fridge or freezer.

What do you need to know about njshad?

The New Jersey Department of Health’s State Health Assessment Data (NJSHAD) System provides access to public health datasets, statistics, and information on the health status of New Jerseyans.

Where to find fishing reports for Delaware River Shad?

Lewis Fishery Reports: Contact Steve Meserve of the Lewis Fishery in Lambertville at [email protected] to be added to his list. His reports are below. Why You Should Care About What Fish (Shad!)

How many Shad did we catch in 2017?

The total shad catch has been 549. That gives us a catch per haul of 28.89. In 2017 we caught 1262 in 43 hauls for a catch per haul of 29.35.

What kind of data does New Jersey have?

The New Jersey Department of Health’s State Health Assessment Data (NJSHAD) System provides access to public health datasets, statistics, and information on the health status of New Jerseyans. If you’re new to NJSHAD, start here: