UTERAmerican shad fishing in Virginia freshwater
In Virginia freshwater, American shad peak April and are around March–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: James River at the Richmond fall line and the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg.
Not in Virginia freshwater this month.
American shad in Virginia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchArriving
- AprilPeakJames River at the Richmond fall line and the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg.
- MayLeaving
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish American shad near James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir
The tidal James' trophy blue cats, Smith Mountain's stripers, the New and the James for smallmouth and muskie, Kerr and Gaston, and Shenandoah valley trout.
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 Virginia freshwater?
Peak season is April. American shad are in Virginia freshwater March–May. April: James River at the Richmond fall line and the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg.
Where do American shad hold in Virginia freshwater?
Look on river, bridge — around James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir, New River, Lake Anna, Chickahominy River.
What is the best bait for American shad in Virginia 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 Virginia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Virginia DWR) and change — read the current rule at https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses/.
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