shad flies

[Mike O]

need help on size for shad flies.

Got colors (basically white with bright color (red, chart, yellow, etc.) but have no idea what size.

have to make up a dozen for a friend who just smoked up a mallard and canadian goose for me. YUM!!

Any help apppreciated.

Mike

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

The size fly can vary depending on the river/water conditions.

Early season on the Sacramento River up towards Colusa they use size 4 and 6 with heavy dumbbell eyes. Orange/Chartreuse is a standard combo. Very flashy materials are popular.

Late season on the Lower American River in June we use a small #6/8 "Wet Pinky" which was developed by the 'shad master' Dave Howard. This works good in shallow clear water.



http://www.anglersvice.com/retail/common/tieit/pattern.asp?id=28&store%5Fid=201

http://www.anglersvice.com/assets/tieit/28-0-0_lg.jpg

[jfkowalski]

If you search through the online catalogs, you will find that most shops offer sizes 4, 6 and 8. The size of the weight is probably more important. You neend everything from bead chain to very heavy lead eyes. The guide that I fished with would throw the brass dumbbell eyed flies away for being too light.

[OregonSalmon]

The only shad fly anyone should ever use is the Ted Linder Special: white marabou tail, orange depth ray wool, ribbed with something silver. Size and wieght depends on water conditions. All ya need. One type of fly. And never, ever, ever, never ever use a Dave Howard Special. Fished next to the guy for years and never saw him hook a fish on that fly. Not one. I think on June 2'cnd, 1987 he did get a grab, but it could have been a squawfish/pikeminnow. Worst shad fly ever, and I should know since I have hooked shad on a bare hook on the Yuba!!!
Steer clear of that poxed bug.