Description

• Shad are small, silver, and travel in schools. They migrate upriver in the spring to spawn. Juveniles hatch and remain behind until fall when they swim downstream to the sea. Upon growing to adult size in two to three years, shad weigh more than 2 lbs. The record weight of an American shad as 13 lbs., with the record weight for a shad in Pennsylvania being 9 lb., 9 oz.
  
  

Location

• Shad can be found in Pennsylvania's main waterways such as the Lehigh and Schuykyill rivers, and especially the Delaware River. GoFISHn.com states that shad typically remain in river channels, thus tributaries are not a good source. GoFISHn.com recommends deeper pools of a river as the best areas to find shad.
  
  

Method

• Anglers can catch shad by fly or spinning reel. They also can fish from shore, while wading, from an anchored boat, or trolling. Shad are most active at night, so the best time to fish for them is in the evening or early morning.
  
  

Lures

• Shad's natural source of food is plankton, so the use of live bait is ineffective. Shad darts are the most popular. However goFISHn.com also reports that flies, small spinners, and tiny spoons are effective. These lures all use color and reflection to attract the fish.
  
  

Regulation

• Fishermen over the age of 16 must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. Furthermore, fishermen should openly display their license and are required to carry identification in case an officer needs to verify their fishing license.
  
  American shad and gizzard shad have a year-round open season, although they do not live in freshwater all year. The state has made an exception for shad in the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. In those waters it's illegal to catch shad at any time. For gizzard shad there is no minimum size for harvest and the daily harvest limit is 50. American shad also has no minimum size for harvest, but the daily limit for the commonwealth inland waters is three. The daily harvest limit is one for anyone fishing in the Lehigh or Schuylkill rivers or their tributaries. The Delaware River has its own daily limits for American shad. From the Pennsylvania line to Commodore Barry Bridge the daily limit is six, and upstream of the bridge the limit is three.