Okay, so I started tying a year ago now. And really got back into fly fishing two years ago. I live six hours from trout, and if I’m lucky, I make a few trips a year. In the mean time, I’m trying to use my fly rod for more species in my area of eastern nc. The next fish up will be shad. I’ve always enjoyed spin fishing for them, but I’m really wanting to try them on my fly rod. So does anyone have a go to for shad? I’ve seen some patterns but I’m curious if anyone has any actual experience.

You may find that fishing for pan fish such as sunfish, bass, crappie and even catfish can also be a lot of fun on a fly rod.

For shad here is a link for pictures of shad flies. If you find one you like google the name and you can find the recipe.

Pic Link

Another source is You Tube videos:

You Tube

Thank you! I’ll go through those in depth. Let’s be honest. Shad bite the heck out of darts. So last year I tied what is basically a white bugger with a cone head, a polar chenille body, with a bright pink and green collar behind the bead. I think they’ll work. Half the fun of tying is having options though. You can’t be too prepared.

You might want to give stripers a go too. As for shad flies go I’d probably ask the local shop what the most popular patterns are and then try to fish them at the depth the shad are swimming at.

In this months Fur-Fish-Game there is an article on Shad flies..

Capn,

All you need for shad is a "Wolly Bugger" type fly tied with a marabou tail, Estaz Chenille body wrapped on a size 6 & 4 - 2xl hook, preferably stainless steel. Tie these in Pink, White, and Chartreuse and fish on a 6 wt or 7 wt fly rod with a 200 grain full sink line. Swing the fly in the current and strip back then hang on.

In looking at the flies I have here it looks like they are tied on 1xl hooks, If you PM me your address I will send you some flies that I have had success with in the past, looks like I will not be able to get back to the Shad run this year.