Ive fished the Umqua with some old timers (lifelong fishermen of the hwy 38 and 138 areas) who encouraged me to adapt a policy.
"If you catch a shad, start fishing for summer steelies"
It has been good advice for many years since.
I have no idea if this is the case with other rivers or not, but "shad" is a bit of good news if you ask me.
PS Ive also witnessed these guys eat the shad eggs right there on the river with a frypan, and some butter..never tried it and dont intend to unless someone here says I should (The only food I dont like is rocky mountain oysters :shocked: , and things I have yet to try)