Maryland Shad Fishing

Hickory Shad

In Maryland, fishing for shad is a springtime tradition. In most locations, shad fishing usually begins in March and continues into early May. Maryland anglers catch hickory shad or American shad during spring spawning runs. In some watersheds, fishermen also catch river herring together with shad.

Popular shad fishing rivers in Maryland include the Susquehanna, Gunpowder, Patapsco, Patuxent, Choptank, Nanticoke, Pocomoke, and others. In addition to mainstem river systems, a number of tributary streams and creeks are known for their shad runs, including Marshyhope and Tuckahoe Creeks on the Eastern Shore.

Productive shad fishing spots often occur along narrow, fast moving stretches of rivers and creeks. In some areas, fishing access is available within national, state, or county parks. In other locations, shad are caught from fishing piers, bridges, dams, dykes, or other man-made structures. Anglers also wade to catch shad or traverse rivers and creeks by small boat.

No bait is required in order to catch shad and river herring. Instead, anglers use small, flashy jigs, spoons, or flies. Depending on the location and other factors, anglers may choose to cast extensively or simply lower their lure into the water and work lures with jigging motion. Bridge and pier anglers often employ specials rigs which feature multiple lures.

In 2012, Maryland, along with most Atlantic states, enacted a moratorium on the harvest of all shad and river herring. Although keeping fish for the table or bait is no longer an option, many anglers still enjoy catch and release fishing for these exciting fish. 

Maryland Shad - Herring Fishing

hickory shad

Anglers are reporting good fishing during Maryland's 2011 Spring shad and herring run. In rivers and creeks of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, blueback herring, hickory shad and American shad have been found in varying numbers.

Hickory shad numbers are up in several creeks, with anglers enjoying catch and release fishing. Shad and river herring (bluebacks and alewives) are often found together, with anglers catching multiple species with the same lures.

The exact techniques and lure choices depend on local preferences, but most anglers use some variation of classic shad darts or similar lures. These small, simple lures are fished by themselves or rigged in tandem.

Depending on the location, anglers may jig or cast for shad and herring. Fly fishing is practical in some areas and can be very productive. In other areas such as small creeks in wooded areas, tight quarters call for ultralight spinning tackle and simple shad darts.

Occasionally, anglers can fish from bridges, bulkheads or other structures that provide access for jigging. Maryland shad and herring can also be caught from kayaks or small boats. These smaller craft are often the only option as shad and river herring prefer small, moving creeks which usually contain a maze of obstructions.

Adding to the excitement are many of the other species found in Maryland tidal rivers and creeks. These include black crappie, bluegills, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, white perch, striped bass, yellow perch, pickerel, and other species.Any of these may fish strike lures intended for shad and herring.

The spring shad and river herring run is expected to last into mid-May as waves of fish continue their spawning rituals.

2011 Spring Cleanup At New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park is inviting volunteers of all ages to participate in its annual Spring Cleanup Day. The efforts will occur from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 9, 2011.

Volunteers, together with park staff, will help clean up and prepare the park for the upcoming summer season. A free pizza lunch will be provided for the volunteers, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by contacting Ranger Mongrain at 301-895-5453 or lmongrain@dnr.state.md.us.

For New Germany State Park information, please visit http://dnr.maryland.gov, or call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453.

source: MD DNR