When searching for the 10 Best Places to Fish for American Shad, several rivers across the United States stand out as prime locations, offering abundant populations of these migratory fish. Among these, the Columbia River and Willamette River in Oregon are notable hotspots. Here are some of the best places to fish for American shad, including these two iconic rivers:

1. Best Places to fish for American Shad #1 Columbia River (Oregon/Washington)

• Best time to fish: May to June
• The Columbia River is one of the most famous locations for American shad fishing, particularly around Portland and the areas near the Bonneville Dam. The river sees massive shad runs during the spring, making it a top destination for anglers looking to catch this iconic species. Run sizes are often 3-7 million fish.  With ample access points and a well-managed fishery, the Columbia River offers a variety of fishing experiences, from boat fishing to bank fishing.  Get up to date fish count information here:  Columbia River Fish Counts

2. 10 Best Places to Fish for American Shad- Willamette River (Oregon)

• Best time to fish: May to June
• Flowing through the heart of Oregon, the Willamette River is another fantastic location for American shad fishing. The river’s confluence with the Columbia creates ideal conditions for shad as they migrate upstream to spawn. Portland, along with other towns along the river, provides numerous access points, and anglers can expect productive fishing throughout the spring season.
• Our company: Water Time Outfitters likes to fish this river in June with jet boats near the iconic Willamette Falls in Oregon City.
• Our favorite method here is fly fishing with excellent catch numbers daily.

3. Susquehanna River (Pennsylvania)

• Best time to fish: March to May
• The Susquehanna River, particularly near Harrisburg, is one of the premier spots for American shad fishing. With a strong population of migrating shad, this river offers anglers the opportunity to catch both American and hickory shad during peak spawning season.

4. Delaware River (New Jersey/Pennsylvania)

• Best time to fish: April to June
• The Delaware River is a well-known hotspot for shad fishing, especially around the Trenton area. The shad runs here attract anglers from across the region, offering a combination of fast-moving and slower waters, ideal for both boat and bank fishing.  Shad from the Delaware River were transplanted on the West Coast in the 1890’s and are now the worlds largest run on the Willamette/Columbia Rivers.

5. James River (Virginia)

• Best time to fish: April to May
• The James River near Richmond is another historic location for American shad fishing. The river’s diverse habitat provides excellent opportunities for anglers to target shad as they make their way upstream in the spring months.

6. Connecticut River (Connecticut)

• Best time to fish: April to May
• The Connecticut River is legendary for its shad runs, and towns like Middletown and Windsor are prime fishing spots. Anglers flock here during the spring months to fish for both American and hickory shad, with numerous public access points.

7. Hudson River (New York)

• Best time to fish: April to May
• The Hudson River, particularly from late April to early May, offers some of the best shad fishing opportunities in the Northeast. With a well-established shad population, the Hudson River provides both boat and shore anglers ample chances to catch these sought-after fish.

8. Kennebec River (Maine)

• Best time to fish: April to May
• Known for its historical shad runs, the Kennebec River in Maine is a prime location for anglers. The Augusta area, in particular, sees large numbers of American shad migrating upstream, offering excellent fishing conditions in the spring.

9. Savannah River (Georgia/South Carolina)

• Best time to fish: March to May
• The Savannah River forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina and is known for its productive shad fishing. Several access points, particularly around Augusta and Savannah, provide great opportunities for catching American shad during the peak of the migration.

10. Catawba River (North Carolina)

• Best time to fish: March to May
• The Catawba River in western North Carolina offers some of the best shad fishing opportunities in the state. Anglers can target American shad as they migrate during the spring, particularly around Lake Norman.

Fishing Tips for American Shad:

• Flies & Lures: Shad darts, soft plastics, and small jigs work well for attracting American shad. Flies can be very deadly when fished at the proper depth.
• Technique: Shad fishing typically involves casting and retrieving in slower water or near the mouths of tributaries where shad congregate during migration.  Other areas, anglers focus on the edges of faster currents where shad are filing upriver.
• Equipment:  Many anglers use light spin rods or fly gear.  #6-7 weight fly rods with weighted fly lines are fun and effective.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to fish for the 10 Best Places to fish for American shad, rivers like the Columbia and Willamette in Oregon offer some of the best opportunities on the West Coast, with peak fishing taking place from late May through June. In addition to these Oregon hotspots, rivers like the Susquehanna, Delaware, and James provide top-notch fishing on the East Coast. With careful timing and the right fishing methods, these rivers offer excellent chances for anglers to catch American shad during their annual migration.

Guided Shad Fishing in Oregon:  Water Time Outfitters, Inc offers daily guided fly fishing trips for American Shad during the month of June.  Morning or afternoon trips are available for up to 4 anglers in each of our 20′ jet boats.  Come join us for a great day of Shad fishing!  More details and booking information here: Guided Shad Fishing Trips in Oregon