Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: American river: What flies work best for shad?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Rancho Cordova, CA
    Posts
    16

    Cool 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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Sebastian, FL, USA, Earth
    Posts
    23,837

    Default

    Size seems to be very important.....Shad flies are much smaller than in the old days.
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Rancho Cordova, CA
    Posts
    16

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Kiene semi-retired View Post
    Size seems to be very important.....Shad flies are much smaller than in the old days.
    My question is related to Shad Fly Patterns...not the size of the flies.

    Don

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Rancho Cordova, CA
    Posts
    16

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    SacOfTomatoes, CA, USA
    Posts
    964

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cmcdhuibh View Post
    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.

    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

    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!
    Aron-



    "I own a time machine, but it only moves forward at regular speed..."

    "So many rivers to fish so little time!"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Citrus Heights
    Posts
    2,142

    Default

    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.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    The OV
    Posts
    490

    Default

    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.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •