[crappie89]

when is the best time of year to start fishing for shads in the river. I know around early spring but what month is the best. Also I've heard of shad darts but what else would work. I saw a segment about shad fishing on North Carolina Outdoor Journal. Any help would be awesome.

 

[sinker man]

They will show up at the river mouths sometime between the Full moon in Feb. and full moon in Mar. depending on the water temp. After they start running you should be able to track their progress up river by Googling shad and the name of the river. Some of the better rivers are the Cape Fear, N.E. Cape Fear, Neuse, Tar and Chowan. They can be found in many others though. Don't overlook the white perch and white bass runs that follow them. I hope this isn't to vague but the timing changes from year to year and place to place. AL

 

[sinker man]

As for lures I would suggest that you stay with the tried and true shad dart as your go to lure. Most any colors will catch fish but red and white red and yellow combinations along with chartruese and orange and chartruese and white are pretty consistent. They will hit crappie jigs and small spoons to a lesser degree. Small deep clousers in sizes 4 and 6 in the above colors would be tops for fly fishing other flies such as crazy charlies and other fast sinkers will work well also. Al

 

[crappie89]

sinkerman - thanks for all of your info. My grandfather owns some land on the northeast cape fear river and I'm thinking of trying for some shad when they start to run. Once again thanks alot .

 

[sinker man]

That's what we're here for. People helping each other and hoping for the best for all.

 

[sinker man]

OK, its time to start checking on the progress of the shad run. Hope to hear you got a bunch soon. AL

 

[Topsail Angler]

I heard reports that the shad are at Lock & Dam number #1 on the Cape Fear this week.

 

[rodneyg]

Shad in the Tar River


Went to the Tar River at Old Sparta for a lunch break today. Hooked 4 Shad and 1 perch in about 30 minutes. Was a great way to spend lunch. Caught a 3 lb. Striper and a Shad on Sunday. Several other people caught 5-7 shad during the several hrs. I was there (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM). Looks like its picking up some now.

 

[luremaker]

Pitch Kettle on the Neuse is having a real good run of shad right now. I have noticed that anglers are using alot of No. 13 and 14 Pet Spoons instead of the typical shad spoon fron Nunsinger.

 

[captgary]

Shad fishing remains pretty happening on Pitch Kettle and the Neuse...also catching stripers just down river. I have a couple open dates this weekend...3/25, 26, and 27.
Capt GAry

 

[baitandfly]

Shad on the roanoke

I talked with the guide I use yesterday and they had a 100 fish shad day in Weldon.

 

[cwhite]

Pitchkettle

Are the shad still in Pitchkettle pretty thick? What's the best way to get there from Farmville (going South on 258)? Thanks.