UTERAmerican shad fishing in Pennsylvania freshwater
In Pennsylvania freshwater, American shad peak April–May and are around April–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Delaware River at Lambertville and Easton — shad darts in the eddies.
Not in Pennsylvania freshwater this month.
American shad in Pennsylvania freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilPeakDelaware River at Lambertville and Easton — shad darts in the eddies.
- MayPeakUpper Delaware shad into the Catskills.
- JuneLeaving
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish American shad near Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run
Limestone spring creeks, stocked trout everywhere, Susquehanna smallmouth, Raystown's stripers, the Delaware's shad, and the Lake Erie steelhead (see Lake Erie).
What to use for American shad
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 50–72°F water, best at 58–68°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch American shad in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Peak season is April–May. American shad are in Pennsylvania freshwater April–June. April: Delaware River at Lambertville and Easton — shad darts in the eddies.
Where do American shad hold in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Look on river, bridge — around Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run, Raystown Lake, Allegheny River, Delaware River.
What is the best bait for American shad in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for American shad in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and change — read the current rule at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/buy-fishing-license-permit.
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All about American shad · Pennsylvania fresh water, the whole year