It's hard to believe we're already midway through the shad run here on the Lower American River, and what an incredible season it has been! As a guide, it's been a pleasure witnessing the river come to life with schools of shad, and the excitement of anglers, both novice and experienced, as they hook into fish after fish.
This season has gifted us with 20-30 fish full days being the norm rather than the exception. Half day trips are typically bearing similar fruit - the shad have been incredibly cooperative, providing plenty of action. Half-day trips have been especially popular, not only because of the high catch rates but also because they leave plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. There's nothing quite like spending a few hours on the river, hooking into a bunch of shad, and then having the rest of the day free to relax or take care of business.
Flow Changes and Shad Behavior
Early in the season, the fish were concentrated in few specific areas, making it a real challenge to find them. As more fish pushed into the river system, they spread out, which opened up a lot of opportunity for recreational anglers and guides alike. However, with the recent bump in river flows to a consistent 3,500 CFS (cubic feet per second), we've observed the shad forming larger schools as they stage to spawn. This change has only enhanced the fishing experience for those who know where to find them, providing ample opportunities to target these larger groups and enjoy more consistent hookups.
Fly Patterns for Success
In the early season, more natural fly patterns like Joe Vasquez's CDC Beauty and Jefe On The Fly's Guide Boat Choice were highly effective. As the season progressed and more fish entered the river, traditional flashy shad flies started to work well, but we had even greater success by sticking with Psycho Princes and Andy's Choice - nothing too fancy.
Teaching Moments and Experienced Anglers
One of the most rewarding aspects of this season has been introducing so many new fly anglers to the sport. Watching beginners land their first shad and seeing the joy and excitement on their faces is truly priceless. For the more seasoned anglers, this season has been all about quantity, with many getting into "numbers" of fish that they hadn't experienced before. It's been a season full of high fives, smiles, and fish stories that will be remembered for years to come.
A Special Highlight: YouTube Debut
I had the incredible opportunity to make my YouTube debut with A Birding Naturalist, where we dove into the fascinating world of American Shad. It was an honor to share my knowledge and passion for shad fishing, and to reach a broader audience. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the video. It's a great watch for anyone interested in the unique experience of shad fishing on the Lower American River.
The Weeks Ahead
As we look forward to the next few weeks, the fishing will remain exceptional. The perfect weather we've been having, with warm days and cool evenings, makes for comfortable and enjoyable trips on the water. We're not yet in the dog days of summer, so the conditions are ideal for spending long hours fishing without the intense heat.
Beyond the fishing, the river itself is a beautiful place to be. Sunset trips are particularly magical, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, and wildlife like beavers, green herons, and great blue herons watching us as we float by. It's these moments that remind us why we love being out on the river.
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