I always wonder if the large Shad returns have something to do with the small salmon/steelhead survival rate. Where do they spawn? What do they eat? Where do they spend their time in the ocean? Why aren't they commercially netted for human/dog food,fertilizer, etc.?

 

shad are commercially netted.

 

Yes its funny the shad runs are huge. I think they have always been huge no matter the size of the salmon/steelhead run.

 

Yes bank hog is right the shad are netted and then sold at Joes for 3.50 each

 

Everything you ever wanted to know about a shad.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Shad

 

Well they are broadcast spawners which means they don't have to build a redd like salmon do. They also don't need perfectly clean gravels and cold water like salmon do. Shad are planktivores and feed by filtering water through their gills. Fecundity (eggs per female) is high which also gives them an enormous advantage over salmon. And, they are introduced and are not native to the Columbia River Basin.

I have personally found their fighting ability to be over-rated. I think the main reason folks think they fight so well is because they are typically caught in swift water.....anything flat that weighs about 3 pounds will pull hard in swift water. They are plentiful though and are great sport, particularly for youngsters.

RM