American Shad
The American shad, Alosa sapidissima, is a migratory fish primarily found along the Atlantic coast. Known for its silvery body and vigorous upstream spawning runs, it is a favored target for anglers. American shad spend most of their lives in the ocean, migrating to freshwater rivers to spawn.
Length~20 (max 30)
Weight~1 (max 3)
WaterFresh, salt, brackish
Depth375 ft
- Other names-
- Length~20 (max 30)
- Weight~1 (max 3)
- WaterFresh, salt, brackish
- Depth375 ft
Popular lures for American Shad
Regulation for American Shad
- Season-
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Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- American shad are schooling fish, traveling along coastal areas until they reach maturity.
- They prefer deeper waters during the winter, moving to rivers and shallower areas for spawning.
- Shad are found in both brackish and freshwater environments during different life stages.
- Post-spawning, adults return to the ocean, while juveniles remain in freshwater for a year.
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning begins when water temperatures reach optimal levels, with males arriving first.
- Shad spawn in shallow waters, typically overnight, releasing large quantities of eggs.
- Northern shad can spawn multiple times throughout their lives, while southern shad usually spawn once.
- Juveniles feed on insect larvae and zooplankton in freshwater before migrating to the ocean.