Jeff's 2018 AR Shad Reports

[Jeff C.]

Don't get too excited but I read on another fishing website that a few shad are being caught at Verona. We are still several weeks out for them to show in numbers on the American but the earliest I've caught one was April 21st. I know Mr. Matt will be out scouting for them soon (if he hasn't tried already).

[Baja Fly Fisher]

Hopefully they will come in before May 5th. then I'll be able to get a shot at some shad fishing this year.
That's if the shoulder holds up.

[winxp_man]

Don't get too excited but I read on another fishing website that a few shad are being caught at Verona. We are still several weeks out for them to show in numbers on the American but the earliest I've caught one was April 21st. I know Mr. Matt will be out scouting for them soon (if he hasn't tried already).

Got one on the 19th one of these past years. If I’m remembering this right maybe 2013? Can’t wait! :D

[Luckee]

I've got a picture from April 15 2013 of two fat shad . . . think they were actually taken on the 14th though :)

14041

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

The late Henry Starr lived on the river near the Herrington access and was one of our top fly fishers of American Shad on the Lower American River.

I think he said that on average mid-April was when he started catching fish.

He even weighed each on his flies and had that to control his sink rate.

_________________________________________________

Another Shad Commando and local skiff guide is Captain Andy Guibord.

Here is his email reply to me:

Andrew Guibord
8:18 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
Once in a while shad show up late April, but picks up either the first or second week of May.

__________________________________________

Jeff Putnam
3:05 PM (2 hours ago)
to me

Bill, 2 years ago there was a conventional bank fishermen catching shad at Gristmill the last week of April. I think the higher flows brought them up. Thats about the earliest I've seen shad caught on the American River. Jeff

____________________________________________

May is a good month for down river at the mouth of the American and the mouth of the Feather Rivers from anchored boats.

June is a good month for wading on the Sacramento, Feather, Yuba and American Rivers.


**Very average basic info.

.

[Jeff C.]

Aron, it was 2014 when you caught the first one on 4/19. I went back the next day and caught over 30 at the same spot.

I went though my records and these are the dates when I caught my first shad on the American:

2007 5/19
2008 5/6
2009 5/2
2010 5/14
2011 5/2
2012 5/11
2013 4/21
2014 4/20
2015 4/24
2016 5/2
2017 5/8

I keep a spreadsheet with info like: location, water temp, flow rate, water depth, and type of sink tip used. It really helps when trying to figure what to use to target them.

[Alosa]

Aron, it was 2014 when you caught the first one on 4/19. I went back the next day and caught over 30 at the same spot.

I went though my records and these are the dates when I caught my first shad on the American:

2007 5/19
2008 5/6
2009 5/2
2010 5/14
2011 5/2
2012 5/11
2013 4/21
2014 4/20
2015 4/24
2016 5/2
2017 5/8

I keep a spreadsheet with info like: location, water temp, flow rate, water depth, and type of sink tip used. It really helps when trying to figure what to use to target them.


Ah...the value of record keeping and data. I love it!

[Jeff C.]

You can't take the scientist out of me. I have a M.S. in Physics.

[Larry S]

The Shad King's (Jeff C) post reminded me that it's time for

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/shadcam/

Located on Virginia's James River, one will see shad, herring,
catfish, and quite often, sea lamprey.
Best,
Larry S
Sun Diego

[FattMerro]

Its almost like a 2nd christmas seeing this thread start up every spring. Thanks Jeff! Can't wait to get my first shad on a two-handed rod this season.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Gordon Langenbeck has a huge data base with tons of info on fly fishing reports for probably close to 50 years?

Gordon lived here in the Sacramento area until retired and moved to southern Oregon.

I will see if I can get him to respond a little too.

[hwchubb]

I remember playing campus commons and seeing a guy catch a shad the week after my wedding (March 26), so this week 30years ago. With the American at 25000 tomorrow (20K at the moment), it may be a little tougher now.

[Mr.Matt]

Nothing for me yet....

Higher water is super cold, and the flows are ever changing. Current water tem is 50s, but back east they get them in the cold snowmelt early every year. Same species but our west coast fish apparently love the warmer water and weather..

Sea lion working Gristmille and Harrington today. He was on something, maybe eel or Steele smolts?

Jeff I'll let you know when number one is in the net!

Tight lines ev Rooney and good luck this year!

[Jeff C.]

A few are being caught at Verona. I predict the first shad on the American will be caught around May 1st.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

They are or could be catching them from an anchored boat at the mouth of the American River too.



**Flow will be down to 2,500 cfs on April 23, 2018.


Jeff, what is your favorite flow for wading the A?

[FlyFishingNewb]

I work in the rancho cordova area. when do they typically reach there? i wouldnt mind some lunch fishing!

[Jeff C.]

Bill, I like the flows around 3-4000 cfs because it opens a lot of different areas to fish.

Newb, Probably mid May.

[Luckee]

Jeff, do you ever go over and fish Verona personally?

I have a source who said it looked very muddy there last weekend. Though in the past, I've done well when the Feather was clear-ish and the Sacto was mud.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

If the Sac, Feather, Yuba and American get low we could wade the sand bar at the mouth of the Feather River for Shad and Stripers.

[Jeff C.]

Only when to fish Verona once but didn’t even try because guys were soaking bait for stripers on the sand bar at the mouth. If I had a boat I’d be trying Verona and Discovery right now. The American is starting to clear but they are not in yet. Things should be heating up in 2 or 3 weeks.

[winxp_man]

Only when to fish Verona once but didn’t even try because guys were soaking bait for stripers on the sand bar at the mouth. If I had a boat I’d be trying Verona and Discovery right now. The American is starting to clear but they are not in yet. Things should be heating up in 2 or 3 weeks.

Was I with you on that trip? I remember going there one year but same thing striper guys soaking bait... and if I remember correctly they where wading haha! Must be tough on the arm!

[Jeff C.]

Yeah Aron, but we then went to the American and you caught the first shad of the year down low.

[Luckee]

Even with a boat (I actually anchor up an inflatable kayak), Verona is pretty hectic, with constant traffic of various kinds out of the launch, and almost always a boat lineup along the prime zone. But if the fish are there, I might just give it go soon.

My buddy and I tried a motorboat at Discovery last year, and just didn't seem to have a line heavy enough to get down to the fish. Gear guys with serious weights were getting shad, but the best we could do was a fouled anchor :D

[FlyFishingNewb]

thanks for the info jeff

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

About 50 years ago in June at Upper Goethe Park / River Bend Park (the hot spot) there would be 50 to 100 people waded out, mostly fly fishers in waders.

All using 9' #9 line fiberglass fly rods with mono shooting line and ~30' shooting heads in faster sinkrates.

Shad flies were larger than today, #4 - #6 chrome hooks (EC 1197 N) with silver tinsel bodies and chartreuse or hot orange trim with a white hackle collar.

Joe Shirshac tied these flies for several of the local sporting goods stores like Sports Unlimited and the Tower f Sports.

I imagine the school of Shad there was 50 to 100 yards long and in huge numbers.

Old timers would complain if they did not land 100 Shad per day.

We always said that the American Shad were put here for practice to get good so you could catch Steelhead.

[Jeff C.]

No shad on the American for me yet. Heard a few are being caught on the Sac near Discovery Park so any day now.

[FlyFishingNewb]

i dont know if anyone discussed this but i probably missed it. how do shad migrate up the american. do they hang out and start their move up area by area or do they just head up to spawn and head back down and out?

[Alosa]

i dont know if anyone discussed this but i probably missed it. how do shad migrate up the american. do they hang out and start their move up area by area or do they just head up to spawn and head back down and out?

Shad are 'batch-spawners' which means that they have sequential development of eggs throughout the spawning season (unlike anadromous salmonids). So shad will migrate up river in response to increasing temperature and flow, they'll spawn and hang around in the river until they are ready to spawn again. Also, unlike anadromous salmonids, shad don't necessarily die after spawning, but can go back to the ocean and return in subsequent years to spawn.

[winxp_man]

i dont know if anyone discussed this but i probably missed it. how do shad migrate up the american. do they hang out and start their move up area by area or do they just head up to spawn and head back down and out?

They gradually make their way up river. Spawning happens when water temp is near 58* +-


Although records show that it can be between 12c* to 18c*

[Tony Buzolich]

The water temp on the Sac has been 63+degrees for several weeks now. Just about every striper over there is spilling milt waiting for the hens to show. So, if temperature is the only factor they ought to be all the way up to Rd.48 or Chico by now.

The water in the Feather is running 52-53 degrees (10 degrees cooler) which is maybe why they hang out at Verona and wait for the water to warm.? Maybe ?
Tony

[Jeff C.]

According to Peter Moyle shad enter California rivers when the water temp is 57 degrees but I have seen them in the American at 53-54 degrees.

[Garrett S]

I saw a photo on JD Richeys Facebook of a shad caught this past weekend on the Sacramento River, would guess he’s around Colusa

[FlyFishingNewb]

great info. speaking of strippers. are there strippers all over the american or do they just come up chasing the shad when they do?

[FattMerro]

Seeing more shad caught near discovery on instagram today. JD & the sniffer both had nice shad posted. Gettin close! Shad rule guys.

[Jeff C.]

Still haven’t caught one but I’ve tried for the past few days. Everywhere I’ve fished people have asked me about shad. Everyone is chomping at the bit!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

A wonderful fisheries......we are so lucky to the the Lower American River right here in Sacramento.

[mattv-mcfly]

Finally caught my first shad this year. I lucked out and landed a nice hen midday, only one after an hours worth of fishing. The striper bite was down because no one else out there caught anything so they must be here. Anyone have any tips fishing for shad in the morning or around noon? I work the evenings so I won't be able to hit the hour of power as much this year.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Where?

Thanks for the report.

[mattv-mcfly]

The Feather in Yuba City. I'm gonna try again tomorrow to see if I can hook a few more.
14130

[Jeff C.]

The last hour of light is typically the best time but I have done well at other times during the day.

[hwchubb]

Mattv - sent you a PM.

[mattv-mcfly]

Went out again and caught a few more. Lots of taps but by the time I strip set they were gone. There was a brush fire in a spot that a fisherman was in that I had to call 911 on before leaving. Lots of other people had better view of it before me and no one called...

[Jeff C.]

There a few trickling into the American with lot of anglers trying for them in the usual spots. No big numbers yet but should pickup in the next two weeks. I just retired so I’ll be on it when it really happens!

[itsbenlong]

Jeff C.: Congrats on your retirement! Hope to cross paths again with you this season!

[Jeff C.]

Thanks Ben. Caught a few on a float with Earle. Lots of anglers trying but not much catching. It should be good in a week or so!

[EricO]

Jeff that's awesome!! I was thinking you were getting close to retirement.

Huge congratulations! Go get 'em!

Eric

[hwchubb]

Interesting plans for the AR flows over the next few days. Dropping to 1750 today, bump to 3500 on the 10th, then back it down over 3 days to 2000 next Monday. Not really enough to call it a flush, anyone have any idea what the reasoning is? Would have liked to see it stay at 3000, but beggars can’t be choosers I’m told.

[Jeff C.]

Tried down low today. End up catching some shad, a shaker striper and a steelhead smolt. Not a bad day!

[Jeff C.]

Fished the lower river again. The shad I caught were not in a bucket but scattered all over the place. A gear guy across from me landed a big striper that was probably 15 lbs. There must have been more big stripers in the hole that I was fishing because the bite totally shut off. There a lots of anglers trying for shad everywhere I went!

[Jeff C.]

Tried down low this morning before the pulse flow arrived. It was dead slow. I heard from Cameron Beck who floated SR to Gristmill for stripers had problems keeping their hooks clean about 0930 after the increase in flow. He said the visibility went from clear to 2 feet and there was a wall of debris that came down the river.

[winxp_man]

Date / Time REL SCH
2018-05-14 23:00 1750.0 CFS
2018-05-14 22:00 1800.0 CFS
2018-05-14 21:00 1900.0 CFS
2018-05-14 01:00 2000.0 CFS
2018-05-14 00:01 2100.0 CFS
2018-05-13 23:00 2200.0 CFS
2018-05-13 22:00 2300.0 CFS
2018-05-13 21:00 2400.0 CFS
2018-05-13 01:00 2500.0 CFS
2018-05-13 00:01 2600.0 CFS
2018-05-12 23:00 2700.0 CFS
2018-05-12 22:00 2800.0 CFS
2018-05-12 21:00 2900.0 CFS
2018-05-12 12:00 2900.0 CFS
2018-05-12 01:00 3000.0 CFS
2018-05-12 00:01 3100.0 CFS
2018-05-11 23:00 3200.0 CFS
2018-05-11 22:00 3300.0 CFS
2018-05-11 21:00 3400.0 CFS
2018-05-10 09:00 3500.0 CFS
2018-05-10 08:00 2500.0 CFS
2018-05-07 23:00 1750.0 CFS
2018-05-07 22:00 1800.0 CFS
2018-05-07 21:00 1900.0 CFS

[Fly Right]

Fished the lower river again. The shad I caught were not in a bucket but scattered all over the place. A gear guy across from me landed a big striper that was probably 15 lbs. There must have been more big stripers in the hole that I was fishing because the bite totally shut off. There a lots of anglers trying for shad everywhere I went!

Harrington was shoulder to shoulder combat fishing last night......mostly gear people! Upper Sunrise was vacant although I heard a report the shad were distributed throughout the river as high as SB.

[Jeff C.]

Did a short float with Earle this evening and it was very spotty. The upper river is not red hot from what I’ve personally seen.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

By mid-May after the flows settle down it should be perfect.......

This big flow surge should bring in lots of fish.....especially Shad.

[Jeff C.]

Ok, it's getting better. Fished in the wind and ended up with double digits. Not for the faint of heart fishing. White caps on the water and trees cracking in half. Phil White was guiding and he said "It's a bit breezy today." as he floated by me.

[winxp_man]

Saw half a big tree go down.... The paradise beach area.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

The wind is so unpredictable in the Spring time.

[KSB209]

Went to the Herrington access for well let’s say casting practice yesterday. I didn’t catch anything but a couple guys with spinning gear landed a few in 2 hours. This was mid day 2-4pm so not really prime time to fish. I talked to a guy that was there on Wednesday evening and he said it was shoulder to shoulder fishing but he estimates about 80+ fish caught between 6pm until sunset. So sounds like they are making there way up river.

My casting still needs work and it was super windy yesterday. Looks like the wind is going to be here again today so I doubt I will head down to the river this evening.

[Baja Fly Fisher]

Is it a left to right or right to left wind

[winxp_man]

Is it a left to right or right to left wind

It’s a mix. One day it was right the next left. Same on the Sac.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Unwritten old rules for Shad on American:


Weekday mornings are for local retired dudes

Weekday evenings are for local working stiffs

Weekends are for out of towners


*Not really rules but kind of what happens


**I always fished weekday evenings after work.

.

[Jeff C.]

Great rules Bill! Earle Sloane and I did ok this evening on a short float. Fished this am and there was nothing in the spot I did good at yesterday. The flow changes have them moving!

[itsbenlong]

Fished with a friend yesterday from 5p to 8p and both hit double digits. We both caught a couple really good size ones as well. The hook ups were spotty w/ one 3 in a row session but they kept showing up. Good times, happy to see them back! Can't believe how soupy the water is on the A already. Watch your step out there, sure is slippery!

[Jeff C.]

Double digits of shad to the boat on a 6 hr float with Earle. We got the majority of them in the last 1.5 hours. Bonus was a couple of halfpounders and seeing a bald eagle working!

[Jeff C.]

Did a little recon with Andy in his jet Lowe this morning. We found some shad and tested different lines to see what worked. The plus was we also landed a dozen or so shad.

[Jeff C.]

Went back out this evening and did well (double digits). Lots of boats and anglers everywhere!

[Jeff C.]

Another great day of fishing. Got into double digits again. Lots of anglers out early and only a few in the late afternoon. Must have been all those retirees Bill.

[Jeff C.]

Got out after the thunder storms moved our. Another epic day getting into double digits. Hooked one too deep and took it home to eat. Steamed it Chinese style and worked through the fine bones. It was very tasty but a lot of work!

[EricO]

Hey Jeff,

Didn't know they were good eating....always heard they are hella boney.

I think it was Luckee on this forum that would take the eggs from a hen, and
fry it with bacon.

Hardcore.

Eric

[Jeff C.]

EDawg, It was very tasty but too much work. I had the roe fried in bacon grease for breakfast. I don’t think I’ll bring another one home but I had to try it after catching thousands of them.

The fishing slowed down today and the run that I’ve been fishing for the past few days was jammed packed. It was pretty good when I first showed up but I really went dead. Still ended up will double digits!

[lcpl.allan]

Jeff, it was a pleasure running into you, and finally put a face to the name today. Hopefully I don't get guys walking into my strike zone again soon.

I had a few nice sized fish to the net today until I got low holed. Fish were holding in about waist deep water this morning. I saw small schools of about 10-20 swim by within 10 feet of me. At one point even had a nice sized striper swim within a rod length of me, if I had to guess I would say it was close to 24".

[EricO]

EDawg, It was very tasty but too much work. I had the roe fried in bacon grease for breakfast. I don’t think I’ll bring another one home but I had to try it after catching thousands of them.

The fishing slowed down today and the run that I’ve been fishing for the past few days was jammed packed. It was pretty good when I first showed up but I really went dead. Still ended up will double digits!


Wow, you're palate is more discriminating than mine. I don't even like picking bones out of
trout, so haven't ate one in years.

Glad you're getting out and killin it Jeff...knew you would :)

Eric

[Kenny]

Etymology: Alosa: Latin, alausa = a fish cited by Ausonius and Latin, halec = pickle, dealing with the Greek word hals = salt; it is also the old Saxon name for shad = "alli" ; 1591 (Ref. 45335); sapidissima: sapidissima meaning most delicious (Ref. 1998).

They are most delicious smoked, pickled, and canned.

[winxp_man]

Question for ya'll shad pros, I'm getting a lot of strikes but not hooking up, whats your opinion. The flies I typically use #12 and have bead eyes tied to the top for a little weight and makes it drift hook up so not to snag rocks and usually hooks the top of the mouth. Thinking, maybe not quite deep enough.

Jump up to a size 10 scud hook. 2457 I believe it’s what the model number is. TMC 2457. And I think 2x strong.

[Jeff C.]

Josh the pleasure was mine to meet you. I was blown out to see the bobber guys walk out and fish where you were hooking fish, but this is the American an urban gem but expect anything and I have seen it all. Floated this afternoon with Earle Sloan and it was slow but we got over 30 to the boat considering how it has slowed down.

[Jeff C.]

Fished midday and it was a little slow but still got into double digits. Met a guy named Joe who was totally old school with shooting heads and Amensia running line. Got to talking to him and he said that it was his first day of shad fishing in 10 years. I asked him what he was using for flies and he showed me his fly box and it was it old school too with size 6 flies. Gave him a couple of my modern flies and the spot I was fishing. Pleasure to meet you Joe and I’m glad to see you back at it!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Amazing......good one Jeff.

[John Sv]

I was thinking of coming down for an evening this week and trying my luck. But its a long drive. Reading here it is slowing down. Is it still worth a try for an American River 1 st time shad fisherman?

[Jeff C.]

It’s still worth it John. There’s still a lot of shad in the whole river.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Fished midday and it was a little slow but still got into double digits. Met a guy named Joe who was totally old school with shooting heads and Amensia running line. Got to talking to him and he said that it was his first day of shad fishing in 10 years. I asked him what he was using for flies and he showed me his fly box and it was it old school too with size 6 flies. Gave him a couple of my modern flies and the spot I was fishing. Pleasure to meet you Joe and I’m glad to see you back at it!

Way to take care of the old schoolers Jeff :) Sometimes, they surprise me and I get SCHOOLED and outfished by those guys using their ancient gear and methodology and when it goes the other way, it's probably best to just offer up a bit of refinement in tackle rather than try to explain why your way of fishing is superior to theirs...

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I'm finding that the one area I fished the last couple years isn't producing but just a few this year and the word is out. I tied on a dry fly and skated the area above the upper sunrise island late in the evening for some solid hits but no hookups. Not sure what is jumping around in that area but I was curious so I'll try it again. It was really windy and the caddis were not as thick last night. probably squaw fish, maybe trout.
Be safe out there!

Maybe Half-pounders?

[Baja Fly Fisher]

OK, here's a question most everyone has heard. Do you think the shad bite will last until mid June. That's when I'll be back from Baja and want to get my "fix" or shad fishing.

[winxp_man]

OK, here's a question most everyone has heard. Do you think the shad bite will last until mid June. That's when I'll be back from Baja and want to get my "fix" or shad fishing.

It usually does last till mid June. Usually 2nd week of July is when the action slows down. Towards the 3rd and 4th week of July is when it stops. Shad tend to head out in a sudden move. You’re getting them the day before and the next it’s dead!

[Jeff C.]

Over 30 shad to the boat on a float with Earle today plus several chrome steelhead hooked but not landed. It was a great day!

[Jeff C.]

That was Andy with a client in his Lowe jet. Great day of fishing but it got crowded in the evening with over 30 anglers in a short run. Still ended up with double digits and got to fish with Danny aka The Kid.

[Baja Fly Fisher]

Thanks for the info regarding mid june bite

[OceanSunfish]

Josh the pleasure was mine to meet you. I was blown out to see the bobber guys walk out and fish where you were hooking fish, but this is the American an urban gem but expect anything and I have seen it all. Floated this afternoon with Earle Sloan and it was slow but we got over 30 to the boat considering how it has slowed down.

Curious if there was any apprehension or acknowledgement on behalf of the "bobber guys" that literally walked out into the slot?

The flip side is that I've seen single hand fly rod FF literally wade out into the slot where the float fisherman were drifting for steelhead......

As you say, it's the American River......

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

20 years ? ago we had a large group of young South East Asian Shad guys at the Rossmoore access who were very bold.

[Jeff C.]

The bump up in flow put the bite off a little. Still ended up with double digits. Broke the 500 mark in only 16 days!

[rrlynch]

Way to take care of the old schoolers Jeff :) Sometimes, they surprise me and I get SCHOOLED and outfished by those guys using their ancient gear and methodology and when it goes the other way, it's probably best to just offer up a bit of refinement in tackle rather than try to explain why your way of fishing is superior to theirs...

What is the preffered equipment setup? Based on what you said I'm running an antiquated one myself. I got out and caught a few last night but if an update in gear is necessary to increase my success I'd like to know.

Thanks!

Robert

[Jeff C.]

Go into the shop on Sunday and talk to Andy. He’ll set you up!

[rrlynch]

He set me up with the system I use a couple of years ago. Fished with him one day and learned a bunch. Sounds like I need to check in again for a update. Thanks.

[FlyFishingNewb]

glad they finally made it to el manto! love lunch fishing! id upload a picture but its not working

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Please make the following release changes to the American River at Nimbus:

Date Time From (cfs) To (cfs)
5/26/18 0800 3,000 3,500

Comment: Delta Salinity

Issued by: Peggy Manza

[Jeff C.]

It was very slow today with a very inconsistent bite. Hardly anyone was out this morning and most of the day probably due to the cold. When I left the after work crowd started showing. Still got into double digits but it was not red hot like it was before the flows went up. I'm looking forward to the increase to 3500 cfs because it will open up more areas.

[Bryan Morgan]

Finding a lot of big Shad on the A. I thought you retired?

[Jeff C.]

I must be slipping. I’ve seen some big hen caught!! Biggest so far 22.5 incher!

[OceanSunfish]

What is the preffered equipment setup? Based on what you said I'm running an antiquated one myself. I got out and caught a few last night but if an update in gear is necessary to increase my success I'd like to know.

Thanks!

Robert

Set ups are more to do with the room you have or don't have to make a backcast...... two-handed set ups open up more areas to fish....... otherwise, single handed fly rod, a mono running line and an assortment of different sink rate shooting heads are just as effective today as they were decades ago. It's the "pilot" not the "plane". No need to go out and spend like crazy on a set up for Shad fishing. I am sure what you have and consider "antiquated" is just fine.

On another note, there are some that wind mono line around an empty coffee can that are quite talented at hooking Shad too.

[itsbenlong]

Got into double digits midday Wednesday and caught some of the biggest shad I have caught in some years. A couple were around the 5lb range! It was really windy and we just kept moving...picking up a few in almost every spot we fished. The largest one jumped about 5 times and took me out to my backing and then some. I thought it was a steelhead on the first couple jumps but saw it at a different angle and knew it was a big shad. Really fun! We had to work for them though...they didn't come easy that day!

[Jeff C.]

Fished during the day. It was dead slow probably due to the flow increase. Tried 4 different spots and didn't get anything at the first 3 spots but found a bucket at the last one. Got into double digits but lost a 15 ft sink tip that is being dragged around a big shad that broke the loop on my Skagit head. I nailed knotted a loop in the head and threw on another sink tip and kept on fishing.

[rrlynch]

Set ups are more to do with the room you have or don't have to make a backcast...... two-handed set ups open up more areas to fish....... otherwise, single handed fly rod, a mono running line and an assortment of different sink rate shooting heads are just as effective today as they were decades ago. It's the "pilot" not the "plane". No need to go out and spend like crazy on a set up for Shad fishing. I am sure what you have and consider "antiquated" is just fine.

On another note, there are some that wind mono line around an empty coffee can that are quite talented at hooking Shad too.

I appreciate the feedback. What I'm using seems to be working so i think I'll stick with it. Im a single hand rod guy but I've got a goood roll cast so i make it work. Ive been enjoying my time on the river this week. Thanks again.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

That last hour or two is a good idea........

[STEELIES/26c3]

I must be slipping. I’ve seen some big hen caught!! Biggest so far 22.5 incher!

My buddy Ray has caught a few 24" shad this season and it does seem to me that they are running large this year (judging by stringers I've seen on my way to the stripers). Have you also noticed that?

[Jeff C.]

Yes, big shad are being caught. Saw a 22.5 in hen caught and a bobber guy told me he got a 23 incher yesterday. Tough fishing today but managed to get double digits. Fished 4 different spots and only saw other anglers at the first location.

[Jeff C.]

Very slow this morning. Must be because of the flow increase. Quite a few weekend warriors out but hardly any catching.

[KSB209]

Just wondering if you guys think color of the Shad fly makes a big difference? I was using a double fly setup yesterday and the only one that was getting bitten was a red one with a iridescent tail that I bought at Kiene's ( thanks for the recommendation). Used a white and an orange with white tail as a 2nd fly and although I lost a few fish everyone that I brought in was on the red one.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Next change the position of the flies and see what happens?

[Jeff C.]

The Bloody Maria works. Earle and I got over 70 to the boat this evening and even when Earle lost his dropper fly the Maria still produced. It started out slow and very scattered but we were slaying ‘em when the sun got off the water!

[Jeff C.]

Over 30 shad to the boat on a midday float. Busy day on the river with lots of bank anglers, boats and rafters. Tomorrow should be nuts!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I think that June is our top month for wading in the Valley rivers for Shad.

The Sacramento, Feather, Yuba and American all have plenty of fish in them now.

If you fish he last few hours in the day you will have a better chance of catching something.



Captain Andy Guibord can get you into some Shad and teach you some of his secrets.

https://andyguibord.wordpress.com/guiding-instruction/

[Jeff C.]

Over 50 shad to the boat on a midday float with Earle. Lots of rafters an takers today!

[Baja Fly Fisher]

Over 50 to the boat. That's more than I've caught in 4 years, maybe 8 years.

[itsbenlong]

All I have to say is this Shad season is spectacular. I may have caught a bit more 2 years ago, which was great as well, however, I haven't caught this many large Shad in years. Good times!

Hey Aron....I know you are reading these.....let's get on 'em one of these days soon.

[Jeff C.]

Yes Ben, there have been some big hens caught. Got out at noon and no one was around me. Had an epic day well into double digits.

[itsbenlong]

Hey Jeff, just got off the river not a soul in sight caught around 25 to 30 it was another great evening for me too. Perfect evening!

[Jeff C.]

That’s awesome Ben! Good times!

[itsbenlong]

That’s awesome Ben! Good times!

I used a Scandi line for the first time today too.....love it! I have been using a Switch Chucker and Skagit lines but always wanted to try a Scandi. Really happy I did!

[Jeff C.]

Thinking about getting a Scandi body.

[cmcdhuibh]

I can lend you a delta mid belly. I have a 55' and a 65' I struggle with sink tips on them though.

[Jeff C.]

Thanks but I'm into the shorter lines. Started Two handed casting with 55 ft. Mid belly line. I gave it to a guide in Oregon.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Most use sinking Poly / Versi leaders with some tippet on Scandi heads.

[winxp_man]

curious, what would be the difference between a poly/versi and a say T material. I know a tapered tip seems to turn over better. One of the lines came with a selection of 15' tips but I struggle with the sinking ones. My rods are 12' and 12'6" maybe to short for a 15' tip. Maybe just more practice and timing.

T tips as in T-11 have no taper. Versi tips (aka replacement tips) have tapers, and make casting smaller flies smoother. I use 15’ versi tip type 6 on my 5wt tcx with a 350 skagit max short. Casts lasers! Frank Roepke recently put out a few casts with my setup and loves it. Now certain rod weights do no carry the type 8 which might be needed with 3,5k flows. It’s where you have to use 7wt versi tips at least or the T11 mow tip.

[winxp_man]

All I have to say is this Shad season is spectacular. I may have caught a bit more 2 years ago, which was great as well, however, I haven't caught this many large Shad in years. Good times!

Hey Aron....I know you are reading these.....let's get on 'em one of these days soon.


I have been out and caught Shad on two occasions but I’m stuck on striper recently! :D

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Skagit heads are usually shorter for heavier tips like T and MOW tips with weighted flies associated with Winter fishing.

Skagit heads are shorter, more compact for shorter rods and shorter cast in tight quarters.



Scandi heads are usually longer and fished with tapered mono leaders the length of the rod or Poly / Versi leaders and lighter flies associated with Fall fishing.

Longer rods with longer Scandi heads are for longer casting.

In the Fall (Sept/Oct/Nov) many veteran two handed fly fishers like Al Perryman and Jason Hartwick use smooth casting Scandi heads with a tapered mono leader the length of their rods and unweighted classic winged flies 90% of the time.




This is just very general info that can be modified to suit your situation, style and ability.



Head and tip lengths can be adjusted to fit the length of your two handed fly rod.

[Jeff C.]

Got into double digits fishing in the gusty wind mid day. Fishing wasn’t red hot like yesterday but I still did ok. Gave up the spot I was fishing to a young couple who tried to fish below me where the wading was tough and the swing was not optimal. They were very appreciative. I hope they got into some shad!

[Jeff C.]

Fished during the day and did great. Caught some big hens in the 4 lb range and had a couple of strong fish snap 12 lb flouro (no bad knots, i.e., no pig tails!)

[Jeff C.]

Caught some during the day. It was work but got into double digits. Broke the 800 mark. Lots of anglers and boats out!/2

[Jeff C.]

Fished for a couple of hours midday and got into double digits. When on a short float with Earle in the late afternoon and we anchored above Andy and his clients. We watched pick up fish after fish but things picked up for us when sun got off the water. We ended up with over 40 to he boat!

[Jeff C.]

I was very impressed by how Andy educated his clinics. I guess the why he calls his guided trips as seminars and his clients as students. I saw them go from learning the basics then even letting land their own fish. Don’t get me wrong he was never sloughing on the job!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Andy Guibord has helped a lot of folks become good fly fishers over the years.

https://andyguibord.wordpress.com/guiding-instruction/

[Jeff C.]

Over 50 shad to the boat today on a float with Earle. It was almost too hot to be baking on a boat today. I feel like I’m burnt toast!

[Jeff C.]

Got into double digits mid day until the jet boats showed up then the bite when dead. Broke my Method switch rod trying to free my line from a snag of fishing line. First one of this run and probably not the last!

[EricO]

Jeff,

Yer a heartbreaker, rod breaker ......well, you know the rest of the song..... :)

Eric

[Jeff C.]

I’m also a running line killer. I use 20 lb AirFlo Ridge running line and the coating always separates from the core. I could use other running line like Gripshooter but like the way the Ridge handles. No kinks, shoots great, floats and is easy to mend. Fished all afternoon and broke the 900 mark.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

You can always cut off the worn section of the running line and have the shop weld on a new loop.

You can always turn running line around too.



We love people like Jeff who actually wear out there tackle.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Jeff,

Yer a heartbreaker, rod breaker ......well, you know the rest of the song..... :)

Eric

You're the right kind of spinner
to release my inner gear guy spree
the invincible weiner
who looks down from his flyrod at me

DOO DO DO DO DO DO DO

[STEELIES/26c3]

I'm joking of course...

[STEELIES/26c3]

I was very impressed by how Andy educated his clinics. I guess the why he calls his guided trips as seminars and his clients as students. I saw them go from learning the basics then even letting land their own fish. Don’t get me wrong he was never sloughing on the job!

I've seen Andy in action with clients on the river and yes, he is definitely a more-than-competent teacher :)

[EricO]

You're the right kind of spinner
to release my inner gear guy spree
the invincible weiner
who looks down from his flyrod at me

DOO DO DO DO DO DO DO

LOL!!! Nicely done Steelies!

[Jeff C.]

Excellent Mark! Fished mid day and it was on fire when I first showed up but really went dead in the afternoon. I’m sure they are there and will turn on when the sun gets off the water

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

If you are not retired, yet, then go out that last hour or two for some good action.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Jeff Putnam skates a dry fly in the big tail outs on very calm evenings.

The last hour you might try a floating line and a dark fly.

If their is surface action it can be spawning or feeding on caddis.

[Jeff C.]

Eat, sleep, repeat. Same story as yesterday. Showed up mid day and it was red hot at first. Then it went dead slow in the afternoon.

[Jeff C.]

Lots of anglers out today (it's Friday) but not much catching except for the bobber guys below me. Toughed it out and got into double digits breaking the thousand mark in 5 weeks of fishing. The hot fly was my Firecracker fly which Terry Thomas named just like he suggested the name for the Bloody Maria.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Today they are fishing very small flies compared to 50 years ago.

[Jeff C.]

Slow day for me. I only caught only almost 20. Lots of anglers out (it’s the weekend). Almost got run over by a newbie kayaker and a sheep while fishing!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Goats on Lower American River today by Jeff C.

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.ching1/videos/10211728005134997/?t=0

Let me know if you could open the video.

[winxp_man]

Goats on Lower American River today by Jeff C.

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.ching1/videos/10211728005134997/?t=0

Let me know if you could open the video.


Jeff and I have seen this happen for quite a few years now. Keeps the risk of fire down! The first time we saw them sure was a scene! Haha!

[Jeff C.]

Over 120 shad and two wild steelhead on a float with Earle today. Broke a 6 wt Helios switch rod because I nicked it with tungsten bead head fly overhead casting but it was worth it! Good thing I brought 4 rods with me today!

[EricO]

Nice Jeff....now that's some numbers!

How big were the half pounders?....respectable battles?

Eric

[Jeff C.]

One was an adult about 5 lbs. The other was a dime bright small halfpounder. The adult did 3 runs going to Earle's backing.

[EricO]

That's awesome Jeff!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Neat to hear about the Steelhead too.

Jeff, How would you rate this year so far?

[STEELIES/26c3]

Jeff and I have seen this happen for quite a few years now. Keeps the risk of fire down! The first time we saw them sure was a scene! Haha!

I know that spot... and sadly, it will be easier to access now.... EWE that stinks and makes me want to RAM my head... oh wait! They're goats, not sheep... guess I'll just shut up and slip out the BUCK DOE...

[Jeff C.]

Bill, This Run has been stellar so far. I hope it keeps up!

Mark, Very witty and you are right. The area is getting trashed with beer bottles, Jagger bottles, bobber wrappers and discarded camping chairs. I try to do my part and take some trash out when I leave.

[Jeff C.]

Very slow today. Didn’t touch a shad during the day. Went to a different spot this evening and got into double digits. Most were small males but did get a few big hens. Tomorrow is another day!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

When I was a youngster, 1950s we had hobo camps along the rivers.

We also had lots of people riding the rails.

In the 1960s and 1970s they seem to disappear.

Maybe it was due to a really strong economy?


Now they are back in bigger numbers than ever.

I think California needs to take care of this before they do anything like a bullet train?

The homeless issue is even bigger in Southern California due to the warmer winters.

.

[Jeff C.]

Had a slow start today. Fished an old favorite spot this morning and got less than an handful. Moved cross the river and did great getting into double digits. Wet wading felt good in the heat!

[Jeff C.]

Fishing was good in the morning but went dead after lunch. Met an older gentleman named Chris who is self employed and gets out a couple days a week mid week. He targets shad and stripers. Nice talking to you Chris

[Jeff C.]

Fishing was very slow this morning. Didn’t even get into double digits in 4 hours of fishing. I moved to another spot in the afternoon and got into double digits and then it went dead. They probably waiting for the sun to go down and start spawning. The water temp is right for spawning to start.

[FlyFishingNewb]

Heres a video of a catch

https://youtu.be/7BKcK6MDM5A

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Good job.....thanks for sharing......pictures are cool but videos are wonderful.

That should inspire more people to get out.

[FlyFishingNewb]

Not sure about inspire lol thanks for the kind feedback bill

[Jeff C.]

Epic day! Almost 40 during the day and Earle and I put 60+ to the boat this evening. I broke the 1200 mark today!

[Jeff C.]

Had a pretty good day fishing with no one near me. Double digits but it was work. The last hole I was fishing had no one in sight until a bobber guy showed up, walked above me and started fishing without saying anything except asking me if I was catching trout. His bobber drift cut me off from casting and I told him this won’t work. I let him have the hole because I told him fly fishing and bobber fishing can’t coexist. His rely was “What do you want me to use?” He was dead set on fishing where he was so I went home. Sometimes you run across people that are dead set on fishing a specific spot (rock #1259) because they caught a fish there once and it would take a stick of dynamite to move them. I’ve seen fly fishermen do it too so Im not singling out anyone A little courtesey goes a long way. I always ask if it’s ok to fish a run if someone is already fishing and where it would’ve fine with other angler. Most are accommodating but there are a rare few that are not. Ok rant over, tomorrow is another day!

[winxp_man]

Had a pretty good day fishing with no one near me. Double digits but it was work. The last hole I was fishing had no one in sight until a bobber guy showed up, walked above me and started fishing without saying anything except asking me if I was catching trout. His bobber drift cut me off from casting and I told him this won’t work. I let him have the hole because I told him fly fishing and bobber fishing can’t coexist. His rely was “What do you want me to use?” He was dead set on fishing where he was so I went home. Sometimes you run across people that are dead set on fishing a specific spot (rock #1259) because they caught a fish there once and it would take a stick of dynamite to move them. I’ve seen fly fishermen do it too so Im not singling out anyone A little courtesey goes a long way. I always ask if it’s ok to fish a run if someone is already fishing and where it would’ve fine with other angler. Most are accommodating but there are a rare few that are not. Ok rant over, tomorrow is another day!


Jeff I know what your are saying 100%!!! This past steelhead season, fishing the coast and American river on a regular basis..... I would come across lots of anglers. Fly guys, Bobber guys on both sides (fly, and gear), gear guys and so on. I would ask everyone I would come across what direction they where working the water, and if it was okay for me to fish above or below depending on what direction they would plan in fishing. And not one, not two almost all would tell me how they appreciated my ethics, and that I was a fist to ask them if it was okay to fish in the area they would be fishing! Courtesy does go a long ways, and I feel many don’t care or want to be gentlemen!
Way to go Jeff and you took the higher road bud! ;)

[Baja Fly Fisher]

I would use my old trick. If they are on your right side, I start casting side arm and get the fly close to them. They hear that little fly whistle by their ear, they will eventually move.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

If you have someone wading out too far down below you, just hook their wader once. It works......



I have been in a Shad line up 40 years ago where everyone was 10 feet apart.....scary.

I once took my friend's hat off with a fly.


I have fished 100% barbless for 40 years.......

[Jeff C.]

Got down to the river about 11 am and it was good at first. Lots of anglers and some full stringers. There was no one around at 3 pm thanks to Father’s Day. Still got into double digits and even a double on my two flies (Maria and Firecracker). Good thing the were just two males and not 2 big hens!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Jeff,

Do you go out at the earliest time you an get into the river system?

Some probably walk in at 6:00am?



I always fished Shad after work during the week for a few hours.


Thanks for the wonderful on going report........

[Jeff C.]

Bill, I’ve never tried at 0 dark 30 but I know people who have and it’s a coin toss on the out come.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Jeff,

Do you fish from the boat or wade when floating the river?

[Jeff C.]

Both but during shad it’s mostly from the boat. During SH it’s both!

[Jeff C.]

Typical day, good at first and then a grind until it went dead in the afternoon. Quite a few anglers out early but not much catching for most. Got into double digits but had to move to another spot to make my daily average.

[Jeff C.]

Same story as yesterday, good at first and lots of anglers with some catching fish. Then it went dead after lunch. Caught some spawned out hens and some fresh ones. Still ended up with a couple dozen. It should be the peak of the run but it might be on a downward slope. We’ll see if they are still around after the next full moon at the end of the month.

[Jeff C.]

Really a tough day for fishing. Got to the river at 7:30 am and there were quite a few anglers and only a few catching. It was so slow that by 1 pm it was a ghost town with only a handful of diehards sticking it out. Got over 20 and left. All of the hens I caught were spawned out. Went on a short float with Earle and his daughter Sierra this evening and it was dead slow but we managed to get 25 to the boat. There some fresh hens so all is not lost!

[Jeff C.]

Had the slowest day since beginning of the run, didn't even get into double digits. 10 anglers out his morning as far as I could see with half of them bobbers guys. The bobber guys below me were slaying 'em. All the hens I caught were spawned out. Broke the 1400 mark yesterday!

[Jeff C.]

Fished this morning and there were a dozen gear/bobber guys in sight. By noon there was only one besides me. Fishing was slow but I managed to get into double digits. The fly that worked was Lee Soares Surf Candy! Floated with Earle this evening and fishing was slow but we got almost 40 to the boat. Bankers were hooking up once the sun got off the water but it was still not red hot.

[lee s.]

Jeff,
You are a machine! I so do love reading your on going reports. Keep up the fantastic work.......work? Wrong word, but anyway.
.....lee s.

[Jeff C.]

Brutally slow today. Only 2 and 3 LDRs. Fished 3 different spots and there was only a handful of anglers at the first spot and no one else at the other two. Landed a 20” hen that would have weighed 5 lbs but it was spawned out and skinny so it was only 4 lbs.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Brutally slow today. Only 2 and 3 LDRs. Fished 3 different spots and there was only a handful of anglers at the first spot and no one else at the other two. Landed a 20” hen that would have weighed 5 lbs but it was spawned out and skinny so it was only 4 lbs.

I heard of fresh shad at the mouth 2 days ago so get ready for another solid push of fish... I think this year may be the longest sustaining shad run our river has seen in a long while. I'm pretty sure this year's size class is among the best in 30 years. I hope this translates to an equally-healthy run of salmon in the late summer/fall. The stripers will always be okay because of their adaptable nature...

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I guess American Shad, like Salmon and Steelhead, can have a really good year out in the ocean feeding up on small organisms.

[Jeff C.]

Great to hear Mark!

[Jeff C.]

Almost 50 to the boat on a float today with Earle. There were some fresh hens in the mix. We anchored at a spot where we saw some big hen (5 lbs+) making a loop. They went by the boat twice cruising along a drop off.

[Jeff C.]

Another slow day! Only 5 to hand and 1 LDR. Saw a dozen other anglers and didn’t see any of them with bent rods. At this point of the run early and late is the name of the game because the shad are hunkering down deep during the middle of the day.

[PV_Premier]

As this is my first year in the shad game it is interesting to follow this thread and see how it can be lights out one day, and dead the next. I guess that really speaks to the fact that these fish pod up and move up and down quickly. It has been interesting to learn about this fishery first hand this year.

[Jeff C.]

Still pretty slow. Fished mid day and this evening and there weren’t many anglers. Boats did ok this evening especially when the sun got off the water. We’ll have to see if they stick around after this next full moon.

[Jeff C.]

Fished for 4 hours mid day and only got 2 small males. A handful of anglers were out when I got there and they were all gone by noon. Saw only one fish caught between them. I think the shad that are left in the river are hunkering down deep resting for the full moon party!

[Jeff C.]

Fished the last 2 hours of light. A dozen and half other anglers out but it was very slow. I ended up with 7 using my Red Headlight fly.

[Pvillarr]

I definitely have not been having as much action as I was in May but I did catch 5 on a Prince nymph last Tuesday.

[Jeff C.]

It has been a tough week for me. Fished mid day with only a handful of anglers in the area but got into double digits. Went on a short float with Earle this evening and it wasn’t red hot but we got over 30 to the boat. There were more boats on the river this evening than any day this whole run. I counted 9 boat trailers at the Sunrise ramp and Andy told me that there were 7 boats at the Beaver Hole.

[Jeff C.]

Fished mid day and there was only a handful of anglers. By 1 pm there was only one other guy and I was by myself at 2 pm. Went back this evening and a lot of anglers mostly gear guys showed up. Ended up with double digits for the day. Hot flies were Lee Soares’ Surf Candy and my Red Headlight.

[Jeff C.]

Fished mid day with two other anglers and by noon I was by myself. Went back this evening and there were only a handful of anglers and a few boats. Hot flies were Earle Sloan’s Ronald McDonald during the day and my Red Headlight this evening. It’s definitely slowing down but if you’re a diehard like me you still can get a few.

[Jeff C.]

Fished mid day by myself. It was slow and only got single digits. Did a short float with Earle this evening and it was very slow but we managed over 20. Surf Candy during the day and Red Headlight this evening.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Jeff, Looks like it is slowing down.....

Time to head up to the mountains (5,000'+) or the coast to get cool.

[Jeff C.]

Yes, Bill it’s slowing down. My May daily average was 29 per day and 27 per day in June (lowered by the catch rate this past week). We’ll see what July brings. There’s a lot less anglers and boats so if you want to catch a few get out right away because it’s not going to last too much longer!

[Pvillarr]

Definitely a bummer on Shad slowing down.

I was recently told by a bicyclist that there were a lot of Shad in the William Land Park area. Apparently he could see them from the bridge. I have never been in that area so I am not that familiar with the bridge he was referring to.

Has anyone had any luck in that area?

[STEELIES/26c3]

Definitely a bummer on Shad slowing down.

I was recently told by a bicyclist that there were a lot of Shad in the William Land Park area. Apparently he could see them from the bridge. I have never been in that area so I am not that familiar with the bridge he was referring to.

Has anyone had any luck in that area?

William Land Park is where the Sacramento Zoo is located.

Could the bicyclist perhaps have meant William B. Pond area?

That is where the Arden-Goethe Bridge crosses the American River and it definitely holds shad...

I personally will be very happy when the shad are all gone and it does tend to be a fast exodus in high water years...

River going up to 5,000 CFS on the 7th of July, 2018 by the way...

[Jeff C.]

Very slow during the day with 10 anglers (mostly gear). Went back this evening and there were about 20 anglers (75% gear) and it was slow except for a few. Got to make double digits and broke the 1600 mark. I’m trying to beat Tony’s record of 2029 set last year (using gear but with flies). It doesn’t look like I’m going to make it because it’s winding down but I’ll keep at it until it’s over.

[Pvillarr]

William Land Park is where the Sacramento Zoo is located.

Could the bicyclist perhaps have meant William B. Pond area?

That is where the Arden-Goethe Bridge crosses the American River and it definitely holds shad...

I personally will be very happy when the shad are all gone and it does tend to be a fast exodus in high water years...

River going up to 5,000 CFS on the 7th of July, 2018 by the way...

I probably got the places confused. Why will you be happy when the Shad are gone?

[Jeff C.]

Mark is into stripers. When shad are in that’s their main fare.

[Pvillarr]

Mark is into stripers. When shad are in that’s their main fare.

Gotcha.

Jeff, what is your current setup that you are fishing? Switch? Spey? Line weight? I think I saw a post where you said Switch but I could be mistaken.

[Jeff C.]

My go to setup is a 6119 Method switch with a 425 grain IShort head and 15 ft sink tips. I broke the Method so I'm using my 6119 TCX.

[Jeff C.]

Fish mid day and it was dead slow. Only one other angler, Richard, who was bobber fishing siting in a chair. I only caught two. Went back this evening and there were a handful of anglers and 4 boats. Ended up with double digits using my Red Headlight fly.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Mark is into stripers. When shad are in that’s their main fare.

Mostly, it's the boats and the crowds I can do without... and shad season brings out a lot of both. Fall is so nice :) when the river is quiet and clean, at a more fishable level, and the rafters are gone...

[Pvillarr]

Ok I can understand that. You go for steelhead in the fall?

[Jeff C.]

Had a great day on a float today with a Earle Sloan. We were the only boat on the river all day and even though the run is winding down we put almost 60 shad to the boat. To top it off we went 1 for 3 on steelhead. I landed a hatchery halfpoundet that was dime bright. Fishing during the day is tough because even though there’s shad still in the river they have lock jaw when the sun is out. Most of the shad were spent but there were a few only partially spent.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Ok I can understand that. You go for steelhead in the fall?

I mostly fish striped bass from now until August and then salmon and stripers through October and then stripers only until Thanksgiving when I first begin targeting early, winter-run steelhead. Stripers are pretty much done by December 1st so by then I fish winter-run steelies exclusively through the end of February. In March/April when the spring steelies come in, I'll fish for them. In some years, I'll continue to fish these steelhead until May but usually, the spring stripers get most of my attention by mid April...

Our river is a wonderful gift. It never stops giving... There is something to catch year around and in all but the summer season, solitude is a definite possibility. I try always to remember how selflessly our river and parkway provide for us and I strive to return the favor...

Three days ago, I was working a topwater plug for stripers at Upper Sunrise. It was high noon and there were shad guys, rafters, boaters and swimmers above and below me. On one cast, just as my plug hit the water... it was eclipsed from above by a large, slowly-moving shadow. I looked up and saw a bald eagle folding its wings, kicking its legs out and wrapping its talons around the apex branch of a cottonwood tree. I'm pretty sure no one else saw him.

I wonder if he noticed the empty beer bottles and trash scattered at the clay below his lofty perch. I took a couple of photos, picked up the trash and walked out. When I got to the top of the cliff and turned towards the bird for one final, admiring gaze, the majestic bird had disappeared into the afternoon sky with not so much as a sound or breath...

[Pvillarr]

I mostly fish striped bass from now until August and then salmon and stripers through October and then stripers only until Thanksgiving when I first begin targeting early, winter-run steelhead. Stripers are pretty much done by December 1st so by then I fish winter-run steelies exclusively through the end of February. In March/April when the spring steelies come in, I'll fish for them. In some years, I'll continue to fish these steelhead until May but usually, the spring stripers get most of my attention by mid April...

Our river is a wonderful gift. It never stops giving... There is something to catch year around and in all but the summer season, solitude is a definite possibility. I try always to remember how selflessly our river and parkway provide for us and I strive to return the favor...

Three days ago, I was working a topwater plug for stripers at Upper Sunrise. It was high noon and there were shad guys, rafters, boaters and swimmers above and below me. On one cast, just as my plug hit the water... it was eclipsed from above by a large, slowly-moving shadow. I looked up and saw a bald eagle folding its wings, kicking its legs out and wrapping its talons around the apex branch of a cottonwood tree. I'm pretty sure no one else saw him.

I wonder if he noticed the empty beer bottles and trash scattered at the clay below his lofty perch. I took a couple of photos, picked up the trash and walked out. When I got to the top of the cliff and turned towards the bird for one final, admiring gaze, the majestic bird had disappeared into the afternoon sky with not so much as a sound or breath...

Thank you for your information and inspiring post!

[FlyFishingNewb]

I mostly fish striped bass from now until August and then salmon and stripers through October and then stripers only until Thanksgiving when I first begin targeting early, winter-run steelhead. Stripers are pretty much done by December 1st so by then I fish winter-run steelies exclusively through the end of February. In March/April when the spring steelies come in, I'll fish for them. In some years, I'll continue to fish these steelhead until May but usually, the spring stripers get most of my attention by mid April...

Our river is a wonderful gift. It never stops giving... There is something to catch year around and in all but the summer season, solitude is a definite possibility. I try always to remember how selflessly our river and parkway provide for us and I strive to return the favor...

Three days ago, I was working a topwater plug for stripers at Upper Sunrise. It was high noon and there were shad guys, rafters, boaters and swimmers above and below me. On one cast, just as my plug hit the water... it was eclipsed from above by a large, slowly-moving shadow. I looked up and saw a bald eagle folding its wings, kicking its legs out and wrapping its talons around the apex branch of a cottonwood tree. I'm pretty sure no one else saw him.

I wonder if he noticed the empty beer bottles and trash scattered at the clay below his lofty perch. I took a couple of photos, picked up the trash and walked out. When I got to the top of the cliff and turned towards the bird for one final, admiring gaze, the majestic bird had disappeared into the afternoon sky with not so much as a sound or breath...

Are there Stripers in the El Manto area? I wouldn't mind going on some lunch fishing for those.

[Jeff C.]

Fished for 5 hours mid day at 3 different spots and it was dead. Not one grab but I did land a 5 lb sucker. There was a handful of other anglers and I didn’t see one hookup. Talked to a bobber guy who said he caught 3 early in the morning but that was it. The flow went up to 5K at 8 am so that might be the reason why it was so slow. For those of you who have to drive a long distance for a day trip plan on slow fishing during the day. For locals it might worth it to get a few during the last hour or two of light.

[Jeff C.]

Went back out this evening. There were a dozen anglers and 5 boats. Not much catching by everyone. I ended up with 7 after the sun got off the water. I hope the slow down is due to the bump in flow and not the end!

[Jeff C.]

Fishing from the bank is slow but from a boat shad can be caught but only at a couple of holes. Earle and I did an afternoon float and we fished a popular hole with one other boat. By 5:30 pm 4 other boats were squeezed into the one hole so we left the hole but got almost 60 to the boat. We counted 8 boat trailers between the two accesses when we left before sunset and I assume they were all in that same hole.

[Jeff C.]

Fished this afternoon and to my surprise I found a bucket and got into double digits. Only a handful of anglers out (mostly gear). Did a short float with Earle this evening and we put over 50 to the boat. There were no boat trailers besides Earle's so I think everyone had it with the scrum last evening. Broke the 1700 mark today!

[Jeff C.]

Over 50 shad plus 2 halfpounders on a float with Earle today!

[Pvillarr]

Over 50 shad plus 2 halfpounders on a float with Earle today!

Glad to hear Jeff. I am definitely Jealous.

My father and I went out last Friday. Here is a picture of one of our better catches before releasing it.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ig2cFmsrdis8RS2hRknYOPLiM2_QOR12/view?usp=sharing

(PS I tried uploading the picture but it wasn't uploading for some reason)

[Jeff C.]

That’s a chunky hen! Fished mid day and it was slow. No one else was fishing and I only got a couple. You need a boat to get them in the middle of the day because they are deep.

[Pvillarr]

That’s a chunky hen! Fished mid day and it was slow. No one else was fishing and I only got a couple. You need a boat to get them in the middle of the day because they are deep.



Thanks Jeff. And thanks for the update. Noob question here: how do you identify the females from the males?

[Jeff C.]

Usually by the shape of their bodies. Males are skinner and females are deeper bodied. When females are full of eggs I call them C-130s. When back out for the last couple of hours this evening and there were a dozen anglers but not much catching except for a few. Managed to get into double digits using my Red Headlight fly.

[Jeff C.]

Fish mid day and found a bucket and got into double digits. Went on a short float this evening with Earle and we almost got 40 to the boat. Andy was anchored next to us and he had a newbie Clare (that’s the Irish spelling according to her) and Joe P. on his boat. Clare landed 6 and LDRed about the same. Fun evening on the river!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Captain Andy Guibord is finishing up the Shad season and starting the summer Striper season on the Lower American River.

https://andyguibord.wordpress.com/guiding-instruction/

[Jeff C.]

Fished mid day and this evening. There were 9 anglers out this evening including Aron and Pvillar (nice to meet you Peter). Got into double digits and broke the 1800 mark and my 2012 record!

[Pvillarr]

Fished mid day and this evening. There were 9 anglers out this evening including Aron and Pvillar (nice to meet you Peter). Got into double digits and broke the 1800 mark and my 2012 record!

Nice to meet you too Jeff. It was definitely a fun night!

[Jeff C.]

Fished mid day and it was very slow only getting a few. Hope it’s better this evening!

[Jeff C.]

Slow evening for me. Got pinned in by gear guys so Aron and I could not get into the sweet spot. Broke my Method switch again after getting back less than a week ago. Good thing that there are other rods to use!

[Jeff C.]

Aron switched to an intermediate tip and a Red Headlight style fly and got 15 in 30 minutes after I left!

[Pvillarr]

Slow evening for me. Got pinned in by gear guys so Aron and I could not get into the sweet spot. Broke my Method switch again after getting back less than a week ago. Good thing that there are other rods to use!

Sorry to hear about your rod Jeff. But by the way you have been fishing lately, you could probably still pull double digits with a tree branch at this rate.

[Jeff C.]

Broken rods are expected during the shad run. One year I broke every TCX (4) I had and a couple twice. Fished mid day and the bite was better than yesterday because of the overcast. When the sun came out it shut down. Went on a short float with Earle and his daughter Sierra and we got over 40 shad to the boat.

[Jeff C.]

Fished this morning and didn’t get a bump for a couple of hours. I was ready to hang it up but found a small bucket and got a handful. The bobber guys took up most of the run and were lobbing their grenades across 3/4 of the river.

[Jeff C.]

Short float with Earle this evening resulted in almost 50 to the boat. Earle out fished me 2:1. Don’t get the impression that it’s red hot, we struggled until the last hour of light. There were no other boats except for one aluminum skiff.

[lee s.]

Well Jeff,
You ARE saving me some gas..... ;-)
Glad you and Earl are finding some interest yet, as this is still one of our FAVORITE threads!
.....lee s.

[Jeff C.]

Floated with Earle today but it was dead slow. We didn’t even get into double digits like we have been getting during the day. Save your gas money unless you are local and can fish the last hour of light.

[Jeff C.]

When back out his evening and got a dozen but only after the sun got off the water. Tony, Tim and Mikey showed up and did about the same using gear with flies.

[hwchubb]

Got three on the surface, lost two, missed a bunch of very short grabs. I got one at 8:30, then not a touch until 9. Came home, took both the Spey and switch rods out of the “ready rack” and broke them down, put the shad fly box away, and called it a season. It was a good one, best I’ve had on the surface (and for incidental .5 pounders) in several years. Good way to end it.

[STEELIES/26c3]

When back out his evening and got a dozen but only after the sun got off the water. Tony, Tim and Mikey showed up and did about the same using gear with flies.

Ahhhh... you were with ALL the hoodlums of the river at once ;) With flows higher than they have been in any July I can remember, the shad will surely exit the river quickly this year.

[Jeff C.]

I’m thinking after the next full moon they will be gonzo. Fished mid day and found a bucket and did well for about an hour then they moved. Went back this evening and picked up 10 in the last hour. Broke the 1900 mark today and the hot fly was the Maria.

[Jeff C.]

Fished yesterday mid day and evening and got double digits. It was better mid day than the evening.

[Jeff C.]

Fished mid day today and didn’t get a bump for a couple of hours using 12.5 ft of T11 and a double fly setup. Tried a fly I tied using a heavy jig head I found in the river (one of the many snags of tackle I’ve dregded up). Ended up getting double digits. I guess you have to go deep during the day.

[Jeff C.]

Went back out this evening. Only a handful of anglers. It was very slow and only got single digits. I need about 3 good days to reach my goal!

[Jeff C.]

Dead during the day today. Only got one but did land a wild halfpounder. Went back this evening and there were only 3 other anglers. End up with 10. Looks like the run is dying out fast. Hope I make my goal!.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Dead during the day today. Only got one but did land a wild halfpounder. Went back this evening and there were only 3 other anglers. End up with 10. Looks like the run is dying out fast. Hope I make my goal!.


The guy to your left seemed to be doing well this evening...
Was he a bobber guy? or a fly fisher?
Across the way from ya, I landed stripers #124-#128 *since April 1, 2018
You inspired me to keep count this year.
I'll let you know how it ends on December 1 when I'm done fishing for 'em.
Are you trying to surpass Tony's 2000 shad mark? and how close are you? 1800 was last I heard and that was about 120 fish ago right?
Are you seeing much broken glass in the lot this year?
I'll come over and say hi to you and Earle if you're around this weekend.

[Jeff C.]

That was Tony below me. I need 44 more to beat his record. I think it’s going to be close. Yes, I’ve seen lots of fresh broken glass at all of the access parking this summer and it is only going to get worst. I’ll see you on the river!

[Pvillarr]

That was Tony below me. I need 44 more to beat Tony’s record. Yes, I’ve seen lots of fresh broken glass at all of the accesses

Good seeing ya the other day Jeff. I think your red headlight is the ticket to hit your goal!

[STEELIES/26c3]

That was Tony below me. I need 44 more to beat his record. I think it’s going to be close. Yes, I’ve seen lots of fresh broken glass at all of the access parking this summer and it is only going to get worst. I’ll see you on the river!

Jeff... Your casting is an absolute thing of beauty to watch I gotta say... so next time I bump in to ya, instead of trying to recognize you by your hat or even just recognize you (LOL), I'll watch you lay that line out across the water... and I'll KNOW it's you ;)

[Jeff C.]

Nice to see you and your Dad Peter. Besides the Red Headlight for low light, it’s hard to beat the Maria and Earle’s Ronald McDonald.

[Sheepdog8404]

I tell you what, Jeff... Seeing you in that run all by yourself today seemed almost impossible. Hopefully you got into some fish! I hope my motor didn't put them down for you.

[Jeff C.]

Gary before you went by I found a bucket and got into double digits. It went dead before you went by. Went back this evening and only got 3. I broke the 2K mark today but I need 24 more to get to my ultimate goal. The way it’s slowing down I don’t known if I’ll make it!

[STEELIES/26c3]

Gary before you went by I found a bucket and got into double digits. It went dead before you went by. Went back this evening and only got 3. I broke the 2K mark today but I need 24 more to get to my ultimate goal. The way it’s slowing down I don’t known if I’ll make it!

I had one of my best striper fishing days in this lifetime on the AR today and I also got checked by 2 game wardens at around 4PM. Did you see them on your side of the river? Wardens; Trunnell and Simmons... I was both surprised and happy to see them out doing their jobs. They asked me if I'd seen anyone else and I told them that most likely the only anglers would be fly guys chasing shad and the likelihood of them using a barbed hook would be remote...

[Jeff C.]

I didn’t see them but it’s great to see that they are out there. Salmon bring out the worst!

[Sheepdog8404]

Gary before you went by I found a bucket and got into double digits. It went dead before you went by. Went back this evening and only got 3. I broke the 2K mark today but I need 24 more to get to my ultimate goal. The way it’s slowing down I don’t known if I’ll make it!

Glad to hear I didn't put your fish down. I do my best to give shore anglers as much room as possible. I'm sure you'll be able to scrounge up that many more shad.