UTERAmerican shad fishing in Florida freshwater
In Florida freshwater, American shad peak January–March and are around December–April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: St. Johns shad between Puzzle Lake and Lake Monroe — darts and small spoons.
Not in Florida freshwater this month.
American shad in Florida freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakSt. Johns shad between Puzzle Lake and Lake Monroe — darts and small spoons.
- FebruaryPeakPeak of the St. Johns run.
- MarchPeak
- AprilLeaving
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberArrivingFirst shad up the St. Johns.
Where to fish American shad near Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River
The bass capital: Okeechobee, the Kissimmee chain and the phosphate pits for trophy Florida-strain largemouth, the St. Johns for shad and specks, the spring-fed rivers of the north, and South Florida's canals full of peacocks and exotic cichlids.
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 Florida freshwater?
Peak season is January–March. American shad are in Florida freshwater December–April. January: St. Johns shad between Puzzle Lake and Lake Monroe — darts and small spoons.
Where do American shad hold in Florida freshwater?
Look on river, bridge — around Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee chain, St. Johns River, Harris chain, Lake Istokpoga, Miami-Dade canals.
What is the best bait for American shad in Florida 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 Florida freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
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All about American shad · Florida fresh water, the whole year