American river: What flies work best for shad?

Hello:

What would fly- fisherman say are the top three Fly Patterns for Shad fishing on the American River?

Re,

Don
:cool:

Size seems to be very important.....Shad flies are much smaller than in the old days.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bill Kiene semi-retired

Size seems to be very important.....Shad flies are much smaller than in the old days.

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My question is related to Shad Fly Patterns...not the size of the flies.

Don

Greetings:

Thanks for the remarks and fly suggestions.

I have been working the American, 300-400 yards west of the Clay Banks with Pinkies, Comets and Bloody Maria's, my success varies with time-of-day and location as the fish move about quite often in that region of the river. Keeping the fly near the bottom has proved successful.


Regards,

Don R.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cmcdhuibh

http://store.lancegrayandcompany.com/standsh.html

The bloody maria seems to be popular and variances of its color. Developed by Jeff C I think on these forums. The local shops sell them. UV helps. Good luck.
The trick is getting the fly at the right level in the water depending on the time of day.

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Damn that UV trick sure picked up. I started tying Uv in Shad flies years ago. And told a few close fishing buddies that it’s a big ticket! Now I even saw gear guys go to fly shops to buy UV flash to add to their jigs! I just smirk knowing what I started :D

Badder Santa veriation is one of the best evening flies! Jeff can sure speak up about. He’s seen it in action over the years! ;)

I only use two flies on the American for shad: Bloody Maria and my new Firecracker (maria style fly tied with gold tinsel). I got the idea for the fly from Aron last year when he showed me his all gold fly which he tied after seeing shad hitting his gold swivel but gave it my own twist.

I’ve had the most success this year, believe it or not, on a variation of a size 14 soft hackle hares ear. I’ve fished I’d both deep and on the surface at last light. Also, purple, followed by red and white, followed by a Wet Pinkie. All pretty close - I mean come on, these are shad we’re talking about.