Shad Fishing at Bonneville- first timer

[Fish-or-man?]

Hey, I'm going to try shad fishing for the first time on June 14th somewhere below the Bonneville Dam, does anyone have any advice above what's on the WDFW shad webpage? I'm most confused about what a casting-from-shore set-up would look like, surely you can't just throw a shad dart out with no weight, or can you? I also have no idea where to buy shad darts, or know if they work better than just plain beads or not. Any info on anything shad would be apreciated, and I'll be sure to let you know how I do. Thanks.

[CraigVM62]

Sorry that you didn't get any replies before your trip. I was down there fishing for Shad on the 15th, day after you.
One thing I have concluded is the shad fishing is better on the Oregon side of the River. There you can fish off of Bradford Island very close to where the shad are lining up to hit the fish ladders. Years ago, you could fish on the Washington side off of Cascade Island which had you getting fish that were headed towards the ladder on the WA side. They have closed down fishing on Cascade Island after 9/11 for security reasons.

Since you have been down there, perhaps this is all old news for you.... but .... I like to use a longer 8 1/2 to 10 foot medium auction spinning rods as they allows you to cast the lighter weights much easier. Most of the hard core shad guys that are looking to land food use 8 or 10 lb mono so they can horse them in as quickly as possibe. They also use long handled landing nets. If you use real light gear where you need to fight them a bit, you might run into trouble if your fishing from the popular / crowded areas. Many of those fishing there will not want to keep their gear out of the water very long to allow you to play your fish. I occasionaly go to areas were few fish, just so I can have fun reeling them in on 4 lb test and ultra light gear.

Shad darts are by for the most popular lure. Sport Co. has them at their fishing counter. I have done just as well with a couple of very small corkies. I have gone out on several Oversize Sturgeon Guide Boats where you fish for shad from the boat around mid day when the sturgeon fishing dies down. You are basicaly fishing for bait. Many like to use little Dick Night spoons.

Again, sorry that this info is coming after your trip .... How did you do ???

[littleriver]

Just use one of those little shad darts (1/8th or 1/4 oz) below some kind of slip weight.. want another 1/4 oz or more on the slip weight.... Walk down on the washington side just below the dam and find an opening somewhere to cast. It's a busy place during the shad run and if you're lucky you might even run into someone who speaks english.


Take lots of extra terminal gear because you will probably lose 2 or 3 rigs before landing a shad. Shad are hanging 2 to 5 feet above the bottom just off the shoreline. You cast out and let your terminal gear sink hoping the shad bites before the rocks do.....

I caught my first couple last June. Man, they are beautiful fish... all silver and shiny and they fight like hell. Took them home to fry them in the pan and wow.... never tasted anything so terrible in my life... ended up throwing them away..... I think the very best thing to use a shad for is bait to catch sturgeon. You cut off the tail, put it on a big....... ok... you guys all know the routine..

[JT26]

nothing about shad, but little river, i love your signature. i tried to explain that to people but they wouldnt listen!!!

[littleriver]

hmm.. sounds like you've learned how to bleed and ice your fish JT...

I wish more sporties would learn this trick....

Once you've tasted truly fresh fish it becomes almost a religious experience..

you never go back to that stinky, rotten stuff again.