Shad Questions

[Sore Elbow]

Could somone please let me know the tackle and techniques for catching shad in the Columbia? Where in the river would one fish for them? Deep/Shallow water? Main channel or near the shore? etc. Thanks

[Captain Hook]

I did real well last year just above Beacon Rock in about 15' to 20' of water near shore. Anchored and used a crappie spreader with triple teazers off of the spreader on about a 3' leader. We clobbered them. Shad are real funny though. If you've anchored and aren't catching any fish...move a few feet. I've found that as little as 3' or 4' from side to side can make the difference between catching fish and not having a bite.

[Pilar]

Dick Nite is the one. 'Wee' it should say on it. Chrome and brass 1/2 and 1/2 or chrome and red head. Get em now because when the run starts the stores run out quick. Kind of like trying to find an Alvin when the fall chinook is going on.

Anchor in 15 feet of water, water speed is the important thing. Watch for boats nailing shad and study the speed of the current where they are fishing. Steelhead rod, 10# line, 42" of lead dropper and 40" of leader and go.

The bend is your friend!

[This message has been edited by Pilar (edited 03-08-2001).]

[Trout,myster]

Pilar has some good tips. I fought these goofy fish for quite awhile, finally got smart enough to move when I had no hits in 15 minutes. As C.H. mentioned, a few feet left or right can make a huge difference.

I use a spreader, anywhere from 12 to 24 inch line to my lead, and anywhere from 18 to 36 inches to the lure. The lure is typically always a Dick Nite. Don't skimp, buy several of different colors now while they are plentiful. The little bitty ones about 3/4" long seem to work well. Also have done well on Shad Kings and Hildebrants. If one doesn't work,try another.

My best spot has been in 9 feet of water with about 2.5 mph current reading on my graph. We were about 15 feet from shore!

I've been told (but can't hold my breath long enough to verify!) that shad swim up the river in snake-like schools a few feet wide. That's what you're evidently trying to find. I've never done well in water over about 16 feet deep or above or below the speed mentioned.

Good luck.

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Troutmyster

[Mrdorkfish]

When i first started fishing for Shad we used to get our choice of lure from a lady who makes flies in her home located on Prescott by the DAV Bingo parlor..... I could never get her to answer her door when i went there so i started to make my own....

I am NOT a fly guy so my work is not the best but i have had a few of those days where i get tired of catching them. (remember i am not a fly tying person so be nice) I start with a 3/4 inch wet fly, tie in red or white deer hair for the butt...sticking out, then some tinsel for the body(wrapping forward of course)then i tie in a few wraps of red hackle,then top it off with bead chain for eyes and finish the head.......I have had great success with this fly and have learned to use lots of head cement almost on the whole body because they hit this thing hard and very often if you are in the right place of course....I fish in the same spot or water i fish for steelhead and salmon in the Columbia which is anywhere between 17 to 23ft of water. 24 to 36inch dropper and a 36inch leader.

Mrdorkfish