Shad spawn - Let's talk about it

[lknbassman]

OK, so a lot of guys can talk bass spawn and the 3 cycles (pre, spawn, and post) and each carries with it a need for specific information that is for certain.  There's a ton written about each phase but not as much written about another phenominon that takes place on the lakes that has a lot of importance to it also; the shad spawn.

What can you guys share about this event?  

When does it happen?  

Conditions that make it happen?  

How long does it go on for?  

Does it actually happen in the Spring and the Fall?  

Let's see what's going on with it.  What can you tell us about it and how to fish it?  Thanks gents.

[moloch16]

Good article in this month's Bassmaster magazine.  The article basically said that the shad move into the shallows to spawn overnight and move out when the sun rises.  So a good pattern to work during the shad spawn is to get out crazy early and fish shallow until the sun rises, then it's basically over until the sun goes down again.

[jiggerpole]

Threadfin Shad spawn when the water temp gets right for them. About the same time bass spawn. They attach their eggs to just about anything. (Weeds, rip-rap, rocks, sticks, piers, and even leaves.) If the temperatures change drastically they may abort the spawn and even absorb thier eggs but will atempt it again. If the water quality is good and it is fertile then the shad will be in good health and should spawn in the spring and in the fall. They are not very tolerate to sudden changes in water temps and will have a die off in extreme cold water. I'm in Alabama and this is not a major problem but I have seen it.

[roadwarrior]

If the water temperatures are optimal, shad will have multiple

spawns. Two, even three are possible. This may be fine in big

water, but can be a problem in ponds. Overpopulation of gizzard

shad is why fisheries around the country first introduced striper

to many of the manmade reserviors. Once a gizzard reaches

maturity, other predator fish shy away as long as there are other

alternatives.

8-)

[5bass]

The shad spawn happens right around bass post spawn time and lasts probably a month over different sections of the lake. This is when they come very shallow at night and the usual pattern to catch bass is to throw a Thunderstick, Red Fin or some other topwater bait parallel to the bank when the shad are up.

I like to get out right about dark and just fish around until I hear the shad start floppin around shallow, then I position the boat right up against the bank and start chuckin' the topwater baits parallel. Sometimes you'll get a bunch of bites 5ft off the bank and the next night you have to throw it to where you're in 2 inches of water, banging your bait along the rocks.