Techniques for Catching Shad on the Fly– A very detailed article on the techniques used when fly fishing for shad. Learn how to swing the fly, mend, and retrieve to present the fly to the shad and elicit a strike.

Jul 18, 2020 · Are you planning to go fly fishing for shad soon? Check out my guide explaining what the shad is and the techniques I use to catch them successfully!

Apr 21, 2017 · Fly fishing for shad is a casting game and can get quite monotonous when the fish are not biting. But once they start, you will soon forget the previous boredom when that first fish takes off for parts unknown. Shad are a hard fighting …

Fly Fishing for Shad. Shad on the fly can be a fantastic fight. Use a five weight with floating line and a sinking tippet. The fly needs to sink, but with a floating mainline, you can quickly determine the proper depth. Most shad flies are brightly colored.

Oct 9, 2019 · Some of the best places to target Shad on the Columbia river include the Camas Slough, the mouth of the Washougal River, the upper end of Lady Island, Cascade Island, and of course the area directly downstream from Bonneville Dam.

Nov 22, 2024 · Fly Fishing. When fly fishing for Shad, you can use a 5–7 wt rod. Since you’re likely to target them subsurface, you should use an intermediate weighted line. To achieve the right depth, it’s common to fish a Y-shaped “Shad rig” which holds two lures

Oct 6, 2015 · If you have a floating line on a fly rod, depending on the water depth and discharge, you can most likely be successful fly fishing for shad. A Weight Forward (WF) floating line is typical in most situations, and is best for shooting line and a relatively heavy streamer.

Oct 4, 2015 · Because of their size, stamina, and ability to make multiple runs in to your backing, shad are formidable opponents. However, high-end, large weight rods are not necessary to land the feisty shad. In my opinion, the best fly rod to use …

Jun 9, 2022 · Shad start to arrive on the lower American River around the end of April. Look for floating “cotton” from the cottonwood trees on the surface, which usually coincides with the beginning of the run. Peak season occurs around mid-June, and will continue through July.

Fly fishing for Shad can be both challenging and rewarding, using lightweight fly rods and reels with floating or sinking line, depending on the water depth and conditions. Flies that mimic small baitfish or aquatic insects, such as streamers or small nymphs, are effective.