[crabman00]

Going to make my annual trek for shad late this week. Normally I go to Roanoke river near Roanoke Rapids, but in the interest of seeing something different was thinking about visiting the Neuse River. Someone suggested that the area near Spring Garden landing offered good shad fishing along with the possibility for some decent blue cats.
Since I know nothing about the Neuse I have a few questions for anyone who might be willing to share.

- I've seen reports of shad being caught pretty well over the last couple weeks. Are they still in the river pretty good?

- Is there an area of the river that would offer a better chance of targeting both shad and cats?

- Would a 17' fiberglass boat with prop be suitable, or would a 14' jonboat with jet drive offer any advantage?

I realize that fishermen have put in alot of time over the years finding the best spots and are not always willing to share, but I was just looking for some general information if possible.

Thanks in advance for any information you might be willing to share.

Take care and good fishing!!
Bob

 

[Gremlinsrus]

Last I heard the shad were hitting well in the Kinston / Goldsboro area on the Neuse. I Have been doing well on Contentnea Creek, but went to Weldon myself this week and the Hickory are definitely in there. Always wanted to go check out the Cape Fear Lock 1 and Dam 1 but haven't heard a thing from there (good cat area as well). Just some things to look into.

 

[Brenardo]

Goldsboro. Definitely Big cats haven't heard much about the big shad yet. PM me and I will tell you what I know about catfish.

 

[Swampin']

Last I heard the shad were hitting well in the Kinston / Goldsboro area on the Neuse. I Have been doing well on Contentnea Creek, but went to Weldon myself this week and the Hickory are definitely in there. Always wanted to go check out the Cape Fear Lock 1 and Dam 1 but haven't heard a thing from there (good cat area as well). Just some things to look into.

Ncwildlife.com says that they have shocked up lots of shad all the way up to lock dam 2. I heard of some people doing well at lock dam one lately.

 

[MHaddock]

Shad have been biting good at the Hwy 70 river bridge in Kinston, people there everyday sunup til dark. Alot of good catfishing along the river either way from Spring Garden. As for boats, I'd go with the prop - jet drive don't like the current.

 

[roostertail24]

I'm kinda thinkin the shad are slowing a bit because the bridges at Maple Cypress were totally empty today... Somebody correct me on this. I went and caught 3 today near there but they weren't biting like they had. Maybe the water temp dropping to 55 had them slower..

 

[Swampin']

Did y'all ever catch whites there? Last I heard (last week) the run of whites was in new bern. I know the hicks showed up in my home waters this week.

 

[roostertail24]

I haven't. But I'm not real in the loop with the other shad fisherman.

 

[crabman00]

Thanks for all the responses. Think I'll head down that way on Friday for a couple days.

 

[Scott Hobbs]

Should be plenty of shad and catfish in the Kinston area. That catfish rod may get slammed by a Striper... as they pass thru also. There are 2 ramps in Kinston, one on Hwy 70 and the other across from the Neuse Nature Center. Nature Center is a good place to camp or put a camper.

 

[crabman00]

Thanks Scott!!

 

[Brenardo]

What's the word?

 

[crabman00]

We caught some shad, but they were few and far between. Didn't catch any decent cats. At least we got to see a new river. Fished around Kinston and then went down river to area around Cowpen and Spring Garden. At least when I read about it now I'll have a picture in my head of the area.