Mike wrote:
[color=CC0000]The Delaware River shad run that is occurring at the moment appears to be excellent.[/color] They are being caught from Yardley, Bucks Co to Port Jervis, NY. Biological data indicate that the peak has yet to occur in upper Bucks Co. Furthermore, some big daily catches are occurring at Easton. This already looks like the best run in years, but if I wait to announce this to fishermen until after the data fully confirm it your fishing opportunity will be lost. The big 2005 year class may have survived. If you want to try shad fishing (poor man's salmon), now is the time. Fish on steady water temps (greater than 50 deg) or rising water temps and in clear or nearly clear water for the best possible results. Early morning and evening are generally best, but on great days they bite anytime.
Mike, great news! I haven't fished the D for shad in a while, but it sure is a blast!
For FFing, a 6, 7 or 8wt 9' +/- rod with a sink tip line and/or weighted streamers works well. A weighted Mickey Finn type streamer or a Clouser does the job. Try different colors mixing white with red, pink, chart., yellow, green, etc.
Cast up and across to let the fly sink, but stay in contact with it and let it swing across the current. Mending to slow the swing may be needed in faster water. Letting you fly hang in the current works too, but that is usually best done from a boat. Try to get and maintain your fly fairly deep. Try different depths, drifts, and swings until you get into them.
Since the fish are active, they are moving (migrating) so the "honey hole" is any sort of pinch point with the current, structure, or bottom directing the fish through a certain area. Keep trying different spots and different drifts to find "your" spot. When you do begin catching them, stay with it, more fish should be moving through. As Mike said, low light periods (early AM & late PM) are usually best, but on a good day you can catch them anytime.
Be real careful, the river is high right now, so wade or boat with caution. A spill in the water this time of year could be dangerous with the high and cold water.
Give it a try, they really are fighters and jumpers. C&R all fish, but a quick pic would be nice. Good luck.
