The Shad Game by Ken Hanley

Ya know, there are some things that can grab my attention every time. Al Smatsky discussing shad tactics is definitely one of those attention grabbers for me. When A. Smatsky begins to enunciate on Sacramento Valley river shad I sit up and take note. He's paid his dues with decades afield. His success rate is one I admire and quite frankly . . . desire. Our expeditions together have taught me a great deal about the central river shad game.

Before we delve into tackle and tactics, let's establish some facts revolving around the history and life cycle of the American shad here in the West. They are literally transplants from the East Coast. Mr. Seth Green is credited for transporting the original stock brought into the great Golden State. The year was 1871, and the fish were first introduced to Tehama County waters. From this initial resource the species spread throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed, San Francisco Bay region, and a few of our northern coastal streams.

Shad are the largest members of the herring clan. Like our salmon and steelhead, they're anadromous fish. Their strength and size is acquired while traveling the Pacific ocean for a number of years. Where they actually congregate out there in the Big P still remains somewhat of a mystery to marine biologists. When the urge to spawn can no longer be denied, shad will begin to enter the freshwater arena. Here in the West, as a general rule of thumb, the spawning cycle typically occurs from late spring through mid summer.
American shad are "broadcast spawners." They don't create redds or build elaborate nesting sites. Instead, they release their eggs and milt at the surface, allowing the two to fertilize and drift with the currents, ultimately filtering down to the streambed for the duration of the cycle.

Another fact of interest to the fly-fishing game is that shad are primarily filter feeders . . . they key on plankton for a good deal of their nutritional needs.
I always find it a bit difficult outlining shad gear and presentation tactics, as there are so many variables you can encounter on a real expedition into shad country. The following notes are from my field journals and numerous discussions with Al and other shad anglers I've encountered over the years. I thought this time I might create a mythical day and break it down into three "windows" of opportunity-early morning, mid day and sunset.

Early AM
Field Observations:
. . . The shad are often found along the inside seams near shore.
. . . Fairly shallow waters (1' to 4' deep) hold plenty of fish.
. . . Work the head of a run first.
. . . Concentrate your efforts around the cleanest water.
. . . The shad are more willing to eat during the morning's low light period.
Tackle & Tactics:
. . . Sink tip lines work well during this phase. The sink rate will vary with river flows. Ten- or 13-foot tapers rated type 3 (fast sink) are standard choices.
. . . "Mini tips", or modified shooting heads, are a superb approach to line selection for shallow water presentations.
. . . The basic presentation is a down-and-across, or a wet-fly swing (similar to steelheading) technique.
. . . Imparting an occasional darting motion as the fly swings cross current can be a real plus. With your rod tip pointing directly toward the fly, use your line hand to pull against the fly.
. . . Expect a moderate- to soft-styled bite from the "AM" shad.

Mid Day
Field Observations:
. . . The fish migrate toward moderate flows and the mid-stream environment.
. . . Shad are suspended in deeper runs.
. . . Make sure to work both the head and tail of the run first.
Tackle and Tactics:
. . . You'll need to make longer casts or become a more aggressive wader to reach the prime habitat with your fly.
. . . Type 4 or 5 sinking lines are a better choice for heavier flows and deeper presentations necessary during mid-day.
. . . Make your cast across stream and slightly up-current to enable the fly to reach a deeper strike zone. Immediately execute a line mend (or two) to reduce the belly in your line as it prepares to enter and pass through the strike zone.
. . . Again, imparting an occasional darting motion to your offering can trigger a positive take.

Sunset
Field Observations:
. . . The shad are on or near the surface preparing to spawn.
. . . You need to cover as much water as possible. They can be found from one bank to the other.
Tackle and Tactics:
. . . Line selection should center around sub-surface lines. Slime lines or type 1 uniform sink (or sink tip) formulas are the ticket.
. . . Try concentrating your presentations around the tail-ends of runs.
. . . Cast your fly across and slightly down stream. Immediately make a mend to eliminate any slack in your system. This is a "tight line presentation."
. . . Expect a solid jolt if the fish eats your fly. The shad seem to be most aggressive during this window of opportunity for fly fishers.

The three windows into this mythical shad fishing adventure illustrate how you need to continue to adapt your tackle and presentations. Line choice is critical to your overall success. It's a definite advantage if you own a variety of line styles and sink rates. If you choose to work with a shooting head system be prepared to carry a selection of heads rated from type 1 to type 6.

Leader systems can be a rather simple part of the equation to your shad success. Start with a basic 7.5-foot tapered knotless leader, and add or subtract the necessary amount of tippet material to control your fly. Clearer water might dictate longer tippet sections. Fast currents or deepwater presentations might require you to shorten the system. You know the game, fine tune the terminal end while you're on the water. Be sure to frequently check the material for abrasion and stretch. This shad game can be brutal on mono!

Successful fly patterns are generally pretty flashy. The hot color combinations could include red, orange, chartreuse, silver, and gold. Most of the hooks used range from size 4 through size 8. The flies are frequently tied with beadheads or weighted eyes. You can opt for newer patterns like the Hot Mono Shad, or an older standard steelhead tempter like the Gold Comet. Keep the design simple-short tail, flashy body, sparse collar, and weighted optics are all you really need.

With this year's heavy rains, and last year's flooding, the Valley rivers have changed dramatically. Sandbars and slots have shifted. Old holes have filled and new ones have been created. Don't let this discourage you from a great adventure, but rather take the opportunity to walk new territory and try new tactics. The shad are in river to be sure! Cheers to your success

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