Event Description:
Spring on the American River brings the American Shad back from the ocean to spawn starting in late April. This Shad Fish outing is a 2-day, walk & wade outing. Individuals can sign up for 1 or both days.
Shad are notorious for eating brightly colored flies. They will grab them when dead drifted under an indicator, swung on two-handed rods, or fished on sinking lines at depth.
The American River is accessed off Highway 50 near Sacramento. There are a number of access points including Negro Bar, American River Parkway (Watt Ave), Rossmoor Bar, Ansell Hoffman Park, Watt Avenue, Sailors Bar, and River Bend.
I strongly encourage Novices to try this. If we are lucky enough to get into shad, it can be a whole bunch of fun!
Shad fishing is very social because of the need to be fishing as close to one another as possible (but spaced apart enough to still swing your line through the current) in order to fit everyone into the run where we hope shad will be holding. We will rotate spots through the run to give everyone equal opportunity to hook fish.
Shad are often referred to as the "poor-man's tarpon" since they can put up quite a battle for their small size -- esp. on a light fly rod. A pair of Sungloves or similar half-fingered gloves are recommended to handle shad - which should bewash when you get home.
Shad fishing techniques:
Generally fishing runs & pools. Shad do not like to hang in riffles or rough water. Look for current seams or runs. Pools with a current running through them are good.
Shad will typically be close to the bottom. Water that is 4 -8 feet deep with even current flow over gravel is ideal. Clear water is important.
Early morning and evening are the best times to fish for shad. I will start fishing at 2 pm on Saturday June 6, 2026. Mid-day is typically slow, however you can catch the occasional fish. Bright sunny days are low percentage times to fish, however a cloudy day can definitely turn on the action.
Techniques:
Cast across the current at a 90 degree angle. Do not mend the line. Get tight to the line as soon as you can.
Keep tight to the fly and avoid slack by keeping your rod tip pointed at the fly. Follow the line and the fly with your rod tip as it sweeps downstream. Basically, swing the fly until its downstream of your position then start your retrieve. Repeat.
Sometimes it helps to give your fly a little action with short "pulsating" strips as it swings across the current.
Use a strip set to set the hook when you feel a strike.
Vary your fishing depth by changing head types until you find the depth where shad are holding.
Cost:
$25.75 (includes 3% credit card fee)
Fishmeister: Jim Knecht, jdknecht@pacbell.net, (408)506-2350.
Accommodations and Food:
Each individual is responsible for their own food and lodging should you attend both days of fishing.
Gear and Tackle Recommendations:
- Flyrod
a. 6-8 wt Single-hand flyrod with a shooting head on a floating running line or an integrated sinking line. Shooting Heads of various densities (Type 3, Type 4, or Type 6) are recommended. Head Type selection is dependent on the current speed and the need to reach the river bottom.
b. 5 - 7 wt Two-handed flyrod with a Skagit or Scandi floating flyline with a sink tip head. Sink Tip Heads of various densities (Type 3, Type 4, or Type 6) are recommended. Head Type selection is dependent on the current speed and the need to reach the river bottom.
- Flies sizes 2 through 8 with size 6 commonly used.
Recommended shad flies are Little Pinkies, Bloody Maria, Green Divas.
- Waders and boots with warm socks and one or two under-layers (you'll be standing in the river for long periods).
- Windbreaker or fleece (just in case it cools off)
- Polarized glasses and hat
- Wading staff
- Personal Life Jacket
- Small fly box, nippers, and forceps.
Leaders (mono or straight fluorocarbon) in the test range of six to fifteen pounds range should be kept fairly short - 4 to 7-1/2 foot length is the generally accepted maximum.
TVFF Cancellation Policy:
To sign-up for a TVFF Event that is currently open for registration and chargeable (as set by the Fishmeister), you must both register and pay online (cost includes 3% credit card fee.)
Once you are registered, there are no refunds for chargeable Events and trips. In the situation that a member is, for any reason unable to attend, they may resell their registration slot to another TVFF member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists). New participants must come first from the waitlist in the order they signed up. The member cancelling is fully and solely responsible for contacting potential members to replace them and notifying the appropriate Fishmeister.
If an event/trip is fully registered and closed to registration, you may still sign up on the Wait List to be notified if there are any cancellations. In such a case of registering provisionally on the Wait List, you do not have to pay until such time that you clear the Wait List and are confirmed for participation.
TVFF Outings protocols are as follows:
· If you are sick with cold/flu symptoms then we ask you to please stay home
