All About American Shad Fishing from the Bank (Lower American River)

A lot of folks had been asking me for my take on American Shad fishing so here it is. The American Shad is an anadromous Herring that migrates up our freshwater rivers to spawn in the spring and into summer.

[@lizardloungediaries4651]

New subscriber here. I fish KL a lot, do a video out there..

[@twslr]

How to set up please

[@khmuvisuals1669]

My grandparents like to smoke the shad or dry them out like jerky

[@buddhistpriest1357]

American river parkway

[@HangNFish]

So just a 1/32 oz jig with curly tail no weights?

[@CaliforniaFishing]

depends on the flow and depth of the river. The river he was fishing is shallow and fairly slow, so it'll get down quickly and he's bouncing it. If it's like 3-4 feet deep and flowing, you may need split-shots to get it down.

[@HangNFish]

@@CaliforniaFishing was it the paradise side?

[@Memo-nd6fj]

@@CaliforniaFishing Or use a bobber instead of a weight.

[@twslr]

@@CaliforniaFishing

[@CaliforniaFishing]

@@twslr the main goal is to the get lure, be in a 1/32 jig and 1 inch curly tail or a fly, in front of them, without snagging on the rocks.
So , so you can use a split shot or two to get it down, but not too far down where you'll snag on the rocks, or you can use a bobber and adjust the length of the line until you're near the bottom but not snagging. Watch the bobber action to determine this.
Or, just go out during shad season and watch and ask questions. I know some aren't the friendliest out there, but there are some who will show you the way.
Also, visit the nearest bait shop or fishing store for guidance. I've received the same tips I'm telling you when asking the folks at Fisherman's Warehouse and other stores.

[@alexmoua459]

great video!! just got into shad fishing in the Sacramento River and it's a lot of fun. never been out in the American but will have to go try it so i can use light tackle. mind sharing the general area of this location

[@CaliforniaFishing]

The American River in the Sacramento area is fairly short. During the shad season on the American River (they move through up the Sac to the American), you can bike along the trail and see people fishing for them, can't miss it. Also, any accessible part of the river will be holding shad, can't miss them.

[@twavis_g]

@@CaliforniaFishing What type of current holds the most shad? I am near Watt/Howe and the current is pretty slow

[@k9er233]

@@twavis_g Ancil Hoffman or Grist Mill is where we got into some of the largest schools of them back in the 70's. Also, upriver above the San Juan rapids was a good area.

[@khmuvisuals1669]

What area is this?

[@buddhistpriest1357]

American river parkway

[@BIGGANT78]

Never show that little secret on video. It'll help the poachers way too much

[@CaliforniaFishing]

not sure anyone cares about shad poaching, since the limit is 25, but I feel you. I hate poachers as well.

[@haroldfinch8481]

BiggAnt!!! You gave me a tip years ago on a spot to fish without needing to wade in (had a bum knee) and had the best Shad season and met some cool friends at it. Thanks and take care!!!

[@BIGGANT78]

@@CaliforniaFishing Fish and wildlife cares since they've been checking the local hot spots on the sacramento river on a regular basis