Fly fishing for shad is a great amount of fun. In fact, it can be fast and furious because they hit hard and put up a strong fight. Although they are not known to be selective in the flies they will take, experience has shown us that they frequently do show a preference. Based on our angling we have selected a dozen flies that we find very effective.
Murray’s Marauder Pearl, Black, Chartreuse, Brown all in size 6
Murray’s Dying Minnow all colors in size 6
Shenk’s White Streamer size 6
James Wood Bucktail size 2
Cone Head Woolly Bugger Black or Olive size 6
Bass Hot Shad
An across stream presentation with a 6-inch stripping action is excellent. Normally a floating line with a 9ft 2X Murray’s Bright Butt Leader is effective. However, if the river is a little high a Scientific Angler Sonar Sink 30 Clear Line in 200 grain with its fast sinking head with a Murray’s Sinking Fluorocarbon 6ft 2X Leader will catch more shad.
This run is usually outstanding from late March through April but this may vary depending on the season.