american shad best tips: where and when for greatest results

American shad tips for where and when to fish are a game changer. American shad are a popular fly rod fish and fun to catch. Interestingly, shad are not native to the West Coast. Shad were first introduced to the Sacramento River in the late 1800’s. Introductions were highly successful. By the early 1900’s shad migrated as far south as Los Angeles County. Some even migrated as far north as Puget Sound, Washington. Over 100 years later, many Central Valley rivers continue to support large annual shad runs. 

American shad tips – Where to Fish

Sacramento River and tributaries

The Sacramento River historically supported the largest shad run in California. Furthermore, based on historical commercial catches, the run may have exceeded 2 million fish annually. Today, the shad run is likely smaller but still healthy. Anglers fish from the confluence of the American River upstream to the City of Red Bluff.

The American River enters the Sacramento River near Sacramento. Shad migrate as far upstream as Nimbus Dam, a distance of about 23 miles. Public access is good from many locations along the American River Parkway. Further north, the Feather River continues to support a shad run. Unfortunately public access is limited. Shad are found in the river upstream as far as the outlet of the Thermalito Afterbay. The Yuba river flows into the Feather River near the town of Marysville. The river supports a good shad run. The fish are halted at Daguerre Dam located about 12 miles upstream from the mouth. Public access is poor. The Mokelumne River maintains a good shad run as far upstream as Camanche Dam. Access is available a short distance below the dam.

Klamath and Eel rivers

The Klamath and Eel rivers in northern California also support shad runs. Interestingly, the Humboldt Times newspaper indicated shad were caught in Humboldt Bay as early as 1887. American shad are still found in both rivers today. Their current status is unknown. In addition, high springtime streamflows make it difficult to locate schools of fish.

Russian River

The Russian River shad fishery became popular in the 1950’s. Unfortunately, summer dams hindered upstream migration. For that reason, the Department of Fish and Game installed fishways in the early 1970’s. Unfortunately, shad were reluctant to use them. In recent years summer dams have been installed at later dates. Today, shad are found in the river as far upstream as Healdsburg.

During the daytime, schools of shad will hold in large pools with moderate water current. In low light periods such as the early morning or evening, shad will often move upstream. At this time, they can be found in shallower runs and riffles. As the season progresses, male shad will chase female shad at the surface during spawning.

American shad tips – When to Fish

Shad first enter freshwater in the spring. They migrate to upstream spawning areas During the following months. I have researched articles and made personal observations when American shad will be in California rivers. Based on this information, shad will enter when water temperatures reach and maintain 55^oto 58^oF for several days. 

In Central Valley rivers, a number of variables determine river water temperatures. These include reservoir storage and amount of water released. Water temperatures are slightly cooler as a result of high-water releases. This may delay shad migrations. The opposite is true of lower releases and shad migration may be delayed. In addition, early springtime conditions and warmer water will encourage earlier migration.

Best fishing is during early morning or evening. Nevertheless, shad can be caught midday. The fish will hold in deeper pools making them harder to catch. However, deep sinking fly lines and weighted flies are needed to be productive. 

In Conclusion 

To sum up, by monitoring daily river water temperatures, it is possible to predict when the shad first appear in California rivers. To that end, anglers can monitor daily water temperatures at several websites including –

Sacramento River: USGS Current Conditions for USGS 11447650 SACRAMENTO R A FREEPORT CA

American River: USGS Current Conditions for USGS 11446500 AMERICAN R A FAIR OAKS CA

Yuba River: USGS Current Conditions for USGS 11421000 YUBA R NR MARYSVILLE CA

Other state and local government sites may record and post daily water temperatures.

For additional American shad best tips, check out the blog below:

why american shad flies are pretty awesome you see!
California Fly Fisher June 2019 Issue: American Shad, pages 22, 23, 34