Jeff’s 2025 AR Shad Reports

[Joshua]

I've had success in the past with a PT nymph fished right under the surface at evening. So much fun.

Back in the 1980s, Jimmy Poter, who was a very interesting fly fisher, had a lighter rod with a floating line and

an unweighted #6? black fly on it. Right at dark, when the Shad were on top spawning, he would switch to that outfit

to fish just under the surface. You must remember that there were still many American Shad in the river back then.

[The Cal Fisher]

I fished Sailor Bar Friday and Saturday and got nothing. I saw plenty of trout/half-pounders, and even some risers to caddis but I don't think the shad are up in the river that far yet, or at least in decent numbers yet.

[Jeff C.]

Took the mini out down low and didn’t get anything. At least the wind was mellow and there were no sea lions. They must be following shad further up river. Happy floated by with a client and they found a school upriver.

[Jeff C.]

Took the mini out down low and didn’t get anything. At least the wind was mellow and there were no sea lions. They must be following shad further up river. Happy floated by with a client and they found a school upriver.

[Jeff C.]

Fished Gristmill in the mini today but did not see or get any. 3 sea lions cruised by without stopping. There are some schools of shad and some of the local guides have been getting a few. The CDFW survey takers told me no one caught any shad today but they have been seeing schools of them.

[JohnS]

Fished Gristmill in the mini today but did not see or get any. 3 sea lions cruised by without stopping. There are some schools of shad and some of the local guides have been getting a few. The CDFW survey takers told me no one caught any shad today but they have been seeing schools of them.

I saw them at Howe Ave and they said the same thing. They did see one person take 6 lb striper

[JohnS]

Jeff do you put the mini in at Sunise and row upstream? Or put in at Sailor Bar and go with the river?

[Jeff C.]

I normally float Sailor Bar to Sunrise but have rowed up from Sunrise.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Tim Fox guides mostly Stripers up on the Sacramento River, where he lives near Orland, CA, on a farm on the river with a boat ramp.

He went out yesterday, no Stripers, but got into a school of Shad.

[Jeff C.]

Floated down low with Tyler Immler and we didn’t get anything. Should have stuck with our original plan and not chase fish based on yesterday’s reports. Steve Sylvester got into double digits up higher.