Alosa sapidissima

How to identify a American Shad (inland runs)

American Shad (inland runs) are found in lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock). Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock)

Where to catch American Shad (inland runs)

• Columbia River (OR/WA) — all species we list for this fishery
• Susquehanna (PA) — all species we list for this fishery
• Sacramento (CA) — all species we list for this fishery
• St. Johns (FL)

American Shad (inland runs) by state

State season calendars that list American Shad (inland runs) — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• California — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Oregon — seasons, best months and licence info
• Pennsylvania — seasons, best months and licence info
• Washington — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Jigs · spinners · soft plastics · live bait

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with American Shad (inland runs):

• American Smelt — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Arapaima — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Arctic Char — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Arctic Grayling — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Atlantic Salmon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Atlantic Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)