Shad Fishing the James River, Richmond

Many anglers wait all year for the exciting spring shad run! In this month's report Gary Martel, DWR Deputy Director and former Chief of Fisheries, discusses tactics and techniques to catch shad with Alex McCrickard, DWR Aquatic Education Coordinator.
Also, learn to tell the difference between an American and a Hickory Shad. DWR Fish Passage Coordinator Alan Weaver will show key differences and discuss the DWR's monitoring efforts, populations trends and management of shad in Virginia.

[@ronsouthwick1684]

Great job, Alex, Gary, and Alan!

[@johnjackson7449]

Great shad run this year on the Potomac by Fletcher's. Been out three times. Our 3 man boat scored over 100 each time; 200 one time! They seem to be hitting everything, but the gold spoons are killin it for me.

[@JeremiahRios27]

Good job 👏 i was born in Richmond Virginia!

[@scottsavage2141]

Thanks for the video

[@kennethadam5107]

Good video. !!

[@hongtuong1988]

We have Shad here in Sacramento, CA. Shad fishing starts in April to July. Our Shad are not as big as yours. Our limit is 25 per day.

[@WalterBoring]

How far up the James do the Shad go?

[@michaelconfoy2862]

To the rapids in Richmond.

[@ScrtAznMn]

Would a sabiki rig work?

[@NephewAustinD]

Yes they work

[@chigy77]

When is the shad run? Did it just start or are we in the middle.

[@michaelconfoy2862]

I have seen them run in early May up the Ocquaquan in early May, but that was 40 years ago. May be earlier now with warming temperatures.

[@RDKelly12]

It began several weeks ago in mid-march. We're in the middle of the run right now.

[@chadfleetwood8189]

Just destroy the dam. The few boaters who use that section of the river for powerboating can go to a lake. Problem solved.