I am thinking I would try My luck at shad fishing.Never done it before.People tell Me to use a flutter spoon.No clue how to rig them,are shad darts good and how would I use one?Thanks clue less in NJ

A flutter spoon is just a real light thin spoon that can be cast off shore,or trailed behind a boat anchored in current.To cast you need a split shot or two 6 inches or more above the spoon to give it weight to cast.Flutter spoons are best used as a trailing line behind a boat that is anchored or trolling.You can add split shot to the line above the spoon to let it run deeper or just let it trail behind the boat.The main deal with flutter spoons is that you must have current or movement so the spoon can sway[flutter]back and forth.A shad dart is just a jig that can be used the same way except you don't have to add weight.Shad darts are a better choice for casting from shore or a boat.Shad darts and flutter spoons come in many sizes.Large darts are for heavier current,large flutter spoons for more attraction.You cast a dart or spoon accross current [straight out from shore]and let it swing with the current.The idea is to let the shad dart[jig]or spoon swim with the current without hanging up on the riverbottom.At the end of the swing, retrieve the lure back to you and cast again.You may have to retrieve slowly as the lure swings with the current to keep it from hanging up on bottom.A 1/4 oz. shad dart is a good all around weight to start with,in red/white or red/yellow.
--Linedog

Linedog, We like shad fishing around the montaque area and it's been very slow the past few years. Any hints on when to go (April/May)? Also, what hits better Jigs or flutter spoons?
--MIke

Mike,the shad start arriving in the port jervis,montaque area late April early May.They are probably moving through earlier,but river conditions [really high water,current,and low water temps.] keep them from being aggessive.The last 5 or 6 years they have declined in numbers,which is probably do to a number of factors,but they have been through this kind of cycle before.As for what lure takes the most shad, day in and day out it would be the shad dart because of ease of use and multiple rigging options.Flutter spoons are good from a boat because you can just let them flutter behind the boat,while you cast with a dart.Also,it seems that shad seem to like the smaller [1/4,3/8] darts in red/white,red/yellow color.There is a multitude of colors and sizes of shad darts,but those two sizes and colors end up catching the most shad.

I really like your blog and site and look forward to a good shad run in 2009. I only keep one or two a year but love the fishing experience.
Thanks for providing this information for all...it is appreciated!
--Steelhead1984

Thanks for the tip line dog.As soon as it warms up I'm giving it a try I will let you know what happens clueless in NJ

About 3/4 to 1 mile downstream from the pond Eddy bridge,the river makes right bend,and I have caught shad here in the past years.

Pappy, when in the season do you typically start fishing for shad?

any hints on where and when to catch shad near dingmans.I have a prop on my boat and I want to go some where that is not going to cost me a prop

looking for small used row boat
--rizz

If you are serious about going Shad Fishing ... you might as well kiss one ore two props goodby. This is no sport for guys who can't handle a scratch on their Pro-Bass Sport Boat, or a hammered prop.
--Boat ... Honey Hole

Right by the campground is great. Clear and fast.
--Dart

thanks for the tips on dingmans dart.as far as honey hole goes I know all about bending props just being careful.Oh I found the anchor you left on the bouy in easton.I hope you don't get a hole in your rubber raft so you won't be able to fly by real fishermen.Are you sure its honey hole??????

Right now the river is getting lower by the day, we need rain and warm nites/days to get the temp up to around 50 degree's. that seams to be the magic number to start off with. checked the Del. today,44-45.0 and the Lehigh was 2-3 degrees warmer. wading out to the channels below the dam is ideal right now. Fish are in the river but closed mouth due to the water temps.good luck to you all this season and lets be honest about your catch reports that send guys to the river when the reports are boguss..Pappy
--Shadpappy

you can stop waitn and start fishin landed 2 bucks in kingwood 3 others gave me the slip.marked a lot of fish not many hittin,but the ones that did slammed my spoons. good luck too all.
--doc

I agree with the numnbers pappy, i follow the the shad to find the stripers and i have found 50 to 55 degrees to be the magic numbers on the deleware so of the burlington/bristol. I also wanted to say thanks for the info, another tool to add to my arsinal.
--I'd rather be fishing

Were the Kingwood catches on the NJ or PA side, I have had great success in this river with every other species but have never-in 7 years- boated a shad- i am going to spend some time over the next few weeks under the F'town bridge on the PA side....but would like to know if I have other alternatives
--delawarekayak

we caught them on the pa side in kingwood,went out yesterday water was dirty on pa side in kingwood so we ran upto rieglesville for cleaner water and actualy caught 2 bucks there above mouth of musconetcong river.they were the only 2 hits we had though in 2hours.water was still off color but fishable at 47.8 degrees
--doc

Is anyone using kayaks to fish for shad in the Delaware? Any advice?
--paoutdoorsman

thanks doc- paoutdoorsman, i kayak the river twice-three times a week in season (usually 4 of us floating from milford bridge to frenchtown bridge) catching smallies and cats. Never hooked a shad but I am going to try it this weekend. I'll troll and fish my usual spots. dont know what kind of advice can be given except it'll be difficult to keep dry and warm without a wetsuit...or at least the pants
--delawarekayak

Thanks Doc-paoutdoorsman-I kayak the river between milford and frenchtown 3 times a week in season-never went this early but I will be this coming weekend. I'll troll for the shads and use top and swimbaits looking for smallies in the usual places-the only thing I'm worrying about is keeping warm and dry so, ill no doubt have a wetsuit on
--delawarekayak

Anyone know of any boats/guides in the yardley-lambertville area for shad fishing?

Have shad darts to sell. Email for pix. Bulk discounts available. Packaged 2 darts/pack. 12 packs/card. Shipping available.

Lots of Sizes and colored Flutter spoons, small and large1/0 hooks.real small spoons for the fly fisherman. paint,hooks,blade prices went up again, but I am keeping last years prices on the Spoons by the Doz.Shadpappy
--Shadpappy

shadpappy how do we contact 2 purchase some items
--tearinlipps
<mailto:[email protected]>

shadpappy how do we contact 2 purchase some items
--tearinlipps
<mailto:[email protected]>

How can 1 fish 7 yrs and not catch 1 shad? Fished for shad 44 yrs and never been skunked!

How can 1 fish 7 yrs and not catch 1 shad? Fished for shad 44 yrs and never been skunked!

We had hoped to fish the Zane Grey pool in Lackawaxen this week. Purple Martins are here and sycamore are in bloom, our usual indicators to give it a try (old school). But the forecast is for big rain today and snow showers and rain most of the week. Water will be high and cold. Will advise when we can launch and if we see any. Anybody downstream toward the Gap and north, if you see any fish please holler to [email protected]. I write the outdoor colummns in this area. Best.
--Ron Tussel
<mailto:[email protected]>

Fished at Washington's Crossing bridge on sunday, no fish or hits. Water conditions were bad. Slightly muddy and some debri floating downstream. Water temp was 48.5 Degrees. Will try Sandts Eddy when the water level drops and clears. Any word on walleye or stripers??
--Fisherman Jim
<mailto:[email protected]>

Isn't it a bit early to fish Zane Grey for shad ?

Has anybody caught any shad in the Gap area PA
or Jersey side of the Delaware?I've been twice and haven't gotten a bite.How about Easton local?
--nHMyF,anon

When approx. do the shad hit the Port Jervis area ?
--Pete &quot;the pole&quot;

I know of 2 fish caught above the gap. It was Friday, 03/03 when water temps rose above 50 from Callicoon, NY to near 55 at Trenton. A small percentage of the run comes into the river early and is spread out over a hundred or more miles. If one is lucky, and finds a good size school, some may be caught, especially if water temps are 48 or higher, and 50 is much better, of course. A large concentration of shad pass through Lambertville in the middle of April and reach the gap by the 17th to 20th., depending on water height. The higher the water, the faster they move. The catch rate will depend on the water temperature. The warmer the water, the higher the percentage of fish that will hit. Some years the water stays cold and this big group of fish gets above the gap with relatively few fish caught. Some years the water stays low and warms up fast and the fish are delayed reaching the gap. When they do get there, they will be weaker and somewhat beat up (scales missing, bruises) from negotiating the rough places in the river. There is no cut and dry formula, as I have learned from 40+ years of doing this. I kept careful logs of conditions and results which enable me to determine what the pattern for a current year may be and where and when to expect to find fish. One must "pay one's dues", fish every chance one can and take the good days with the bad days. Those unwilling to do so will not catch many shad.
--Richard Fasanello

Many water temperature reports are not accurate, because users do not calibrate their thermometers. When a degree or two can mean the difference between catching or just casting, this is important. I use only laboratory calibrated thermometers.
--Richard Fasanello

It is April 8th 2008. Are the shad running in the gap already. I live by the Monroe and Pike co. area of the Gap Recreation area. Any certain color darts.I haven't fished them in years. Would love to fish them again and get my boys out there too.
--deerfreak
<mailto:[email protected]>

Hey Rich F, thanks for the info,one question, Without actuallt going to a the site you want to fish, how would one find out about the water temp and level ? Is there a site to get that info from ?
--Pete (the Pole)

how can one fish for seven years and never catch a shad-well beats the h*ll out of me but thats the deal. I have boated dozens upon dozens of other species but have yet to boat a shad. i am going out today and tomorrow and will hope that the dry streak ends. i'll drop a weight with flutter spoons and darts (three combined) about 18 " apart and lay them right on the side of the channel on the pa side and see what happens. Now i have caught shad-but never boated one. any advice would be welcome
--delawarekayak

Pete the Pole

http://www.delawareriver.net/temp.php

here's the link for the river temp that i use
--delawarekayak

Using this url will give you the height, flow rate, and temp (at selected sites) of most, of the waters in PA. Unfortunately, there is not enough temperature data given for fishing purposesand one has to measure it, or know someone who frequents the river. Some websites such as this and woofish.com have frequent temperature postings for the Delaware River, but some of them are not accurate, as pointed out above.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/current/?type=flow

Change the "pa" portion of the url to get any other state.
--Richard Fasanello

hi all jaybird here if anyone who hasnt caught shad or herring before i am running limited fishing guide service yardley pa boat acess area
call me for appointment 2 hour tours 267-318-3438
--jaybird

I finally caught 4 and missed one on the afternoon of 04/08/09 by the r/r bridge down from the Portland power plant,PA side.I also
fished the same area 4/9 and 4/10 and got skunked.

Looking for a recent Easton,Pa. report.

Looking for a recent Port Jervis N.Y. report.

nothing in port jervis as of yet maybe by the middle of next week

Any one been fishing Easton?Any luck?

Well since today 4-17-09 is a furlough day from work, what better way to spend it but try my luck at shad fishing. I'm going to try around Portland. I'll wet you know how I did later today.
--Hunter4life2

Anyone looking to fish near the Trenton bridge this weekend? I went there 2 weeks back, the water temperature was still low but this weekend seems good.
--Jeet
<mailto:[email protected]>

Water temps finally rose to a decent value and my friend and I had a steady pick from 2:20 to 7:20. We each hooked 12 fish, fishing from shore and using silver darts. I landed 7 and my buddy did about the same. We were between Easton and Belvedere.


--Richard Fasanello

First trip of season, took my 12 yr old son and his friend in boat between Dingman's and Bushkill. Anchored in 7 feet of water, medium current. Between 3:00 PM and 6:15 boated 25 shad! All bucks between 2 - 4 lbs. 1/8 ounce keel sinker, 1/16 ounce small hot pink heads, white bodies, irrredescent flashabu tails were the hot dart. I haven't had action this good since the 90's. River was in excellent shape and clarity. I been doing this for 30 years - don't waste time with large darts and flutters - use keel sinkers to get 1 - 2 feet off bottom. You can catch shad 4 feet behind boat if you use enough sinker. Fish multiple lines with diff weight and distance from boat to avoid tangles and get multiple hookups!
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

I live in Bel Air MD, and the best method for fishing for Shad in the Susquehanna is to use a shad dart and or a spool. In Deer Creek I use a Mickey Finn fly and catch them too.

Following up yesterday's 25 small bucks, was a rediculous trip from 2Pm to 6PM landing 42, including 4 or 5 nice roes up to 5.5 lbs. Left 'em biting at 6pm, had enough. 5 Miles south of Dingman's. All 1/32 to 1/16 ounce hot red or hot pink - white bodies. Anchored in 7ft medium current above deeper pool, narrow stretch of river. Best fishing in 12 years!
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

I see people still like to troll, stopped by the only other boat I saw tonight who was trolling in deeper water. He never had a hit - and probably didn't believe we got 42. You want action and numbers - find the pinch points, in 5 - 12 feet of water, go small darts, 4 - 6 lb line and fish 2 rods per person. I only fish one area for past 30 years but this method should work anywhere, when fish are on the move. When closer to spawn, need to mover around more and locate them, but I'm usually fished out by then.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Fished Easton to day and had a great day after the days and weeks of the cold waters. Landed 25 fish with 5 being nice size roe 4.5 to 5.8 lbs.. all came on BLK/ORG on silver spoons and my fly rod spoons that I made...water temp at 3 pm 58.6 degrees and that is bottom temp.
--Shadpappy

Delawarekayak. The best way that I have found to land a heavy or fisty fish from a boat is to put the rod tip and even half the rod and pump and reel,keeping the rod tip in the water as you do.this keeps the fish deeper and more manageable and as the fish nears the boat pick up the rod from the water and point the rod tip toward the front of the boat bringing the fish to the surface for netting. Done this for many years with great success. hope this helps..
--Shadpappy
<mailto:[email protected]>

Friday was a great day just below the power plant in Portland. Had a run come up that lasted for 2 hours from noon til 2, caught 6 nice bucks. Two other people fishing along side me hooked-up with about 10 each. Just a great day. Going to fish today and hope for the same.

Friday was a great day just below the power plant in Portland. Had a run come up that lasted for 2 hours from noon til 2, caught 6 nice bucks. Two other people fishing along side me hooked-up with about 10 each. Just a great day. Going to fish today and hope for the same.

--Hunter4life2

Sunday morning trip, landed 17 small bucks in 2 hrs out of anchored boat, between Bushkill and Dingman's. Expecting red hot afternoon, hopefully like yesterday's 42 in 4 hrs. For the person asking about Port Jervis, considering I got 25 bucks Friday and how fast they migrate this time of year with water in such perfect condition, I would almost guarentee they are there.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Jack:WTG. Good for you,nice job on the catchs.your right,there should be fish way up river by now with the clear and warmer waters..Fished Easton today and again had a great afternoon. the morning bite and location only got me 5 fish and I relocated down river to a pinch point at the bridge and landed 30 and lost 10 due to the very fast water at that location. just about everyone was hooking up,all thru the day..from what I see and what shows on my Lorance this is a very good run, best I've seen in a few years..and the Big Roes aren't here yet so WOW look out and good luck to you all this season..perhaps some of you should be looking for pinch points to fish,, at bridges, shallows with a narrow channel passing thru. great spots for passing fish.. Pappy
--Shadpappy
<mailto:[email protected]>

I am starting to fish for shad for the first time. Could someone reccomend how to rig my rods?

Back to same spot, just north of Bushkill this afternoon of 4/19. Boated 23 in 3.5 hours, including two 5 lb roe, and one really big one just over 6.5 lbs.

Strange trip, compared to past two afternoons. Dropped anchor at 2:15pm, and couldn't even get my 6th line in water, as we had first a double, then a triple, then a quadruple, and finally the 5th rod - all had shad on them. In all my years of catching a lot of shad, and with countless many many trips catching 30 or 40 more in an afternoon (1980s though 90) - this was the hottest fastest action I ever had. We got 3 out of those 5 to the boat. had another flurry of hits and misses and boated a few more, so we had 7 in the first 1/2 hour to the boat. Then it shut down. I was actualy relieved to get a break, light a cigar, relax a bit. But it stayed very spotty - actually moved the boat for first time all year, dropped back into slightly deeper water from 8 to 12 feet. Then had sporadic action rest of the way. We had several double headers along the way, but a lot of time in between hits, as compared to prior 2 afternoons. Called it quits just before 6... An amazing 3 days of fishing. Saw the second boat besides me shad fishing in past 3 days, and he never had a hit. I don't think he believed me when I told him how we had been doing for 3 days... Oh well.

I can tell it's going to be a banner run - not this many fish in river up by me since the 90's... Shadpappy is having great fishing Sunday down in Easton, and look at the body of fish I've hit over 50 miles north in the past 3 days. It seems these front runners somehow elude the Lewis netters....

I have always had my best fishing in April, and it amazes me that most don't even give it a try until May. As long as we have clear water warmer than 49 degrees and it's not more than 4 feet above normal - this is the time of year the shad are really on the move, find the funnels/pinch points and drop the anchor. I try to avoid really deep water. I like to see the fish, and sometimes even watch them strike a dart. 5 - 12 foot depths (in places where that is the deepest spot in that slice of river) is ideal.

Good luck to all - i'm taking a break till next weekend, lets hope for reasonable rain, no flooding and a return to warm temps soon.

--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

I fished above the Portland bridge Saturday morning and landed 4 lost 3.Its still slow in this area.I was high hook out about 10 other fisherman,which tells me there still downriver and moving slowly.I read the Easton blogs,maybe those fish are in Potland today or tomorrow.

Fished the area above the Portland bridge on Saturday 4/18 and caught 4 and lost 1, useing 1/4 oz chartruese darts with bucktails.Fishing is still slow, being as I was high hook out 10 other fisherman.Easton area sounds real good.I
hope those fish will be up in the Gap area today or tomorrow.This websight is a great tool.Thanx for all the info.

The shad are all the way up to Pond Eddy.Fished from 5:00pm to 6:30pm,from shore,not really expecting much action this early in the season this far up river, but landed 1 buck,1 SDR,2 smallies and a few hits
--Linedog

Could you define a pitch point for me? Sounds like where I want to be.

Thanks

A pinch point is any place in the river where the shorelines come closer together[pinch together].A channel in the river could also be considered a pinch point,because the deeper channel water forces the schools to travel through them.Another good spot is before a rapid with good depth[3,4 feet].Find a pinch point and fish early or late and you should intercept some shad moving through.
--Linedog

Fished Sunday 4/19 at Lumberville, from 7:00am to 12:30pm. Only caught a trout. River temp starting was 54, went up to 56 before I left.
--Rock
<mailto:[email protected]>

Linedog explained Pinchpoints perfectly. You have to read the shoreline and bottom. I have never used a depth finder, so i do it by eye and use quality polarized lenses, and the clearer the water the better. Islands make great pinchpoints too. Many islands have a weak and strong side in terms of water flow. In non-flood conditions, shad will follow the side with deeper water and more flow. There is nothing cooler than anchoring in these pinch points in 4 or 5 feet of clear water, and watching them swim by, catching them 4 feet past your transom. Anything that naturally concentrates fish in your favor only makes sense. Unless you are using downriggers and fish finders, it's almost impossible to properly fish "blind" in really deep channels. Your dart/spoon most likely isn't sitting in the right slot. When fish are migrating it's much easier set your dart 1 to 2 feet off bottom in 7 feet of water than it is in 20. The fish have to move through there - and they will bite just as well (if not better) in these shallower depths. I see too many boats over the years trolling deep water, rods high in the air, and never getting a hit. Linedog also described what I call a staging area - calmer water just before a rapid. Also "resting" areas are good too, the pool just above a rapid. When fish get closer to spawn, and if water is low, I find many fish spend the day in the rapids. I have literally anchored right on the "shelf" in 2 feet, and watch how they swim up to the shelf and drift back. You can put a dart right in front of them and 1 out of 10 will strike it. I don't fly fish but this would be an awesome way to take on a fly. I think the type of fishing I enjoy would be even better further north into NY state, where there are even more pinchpoints and rapids and shallow water opportunities.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Thanks Linedog and Jack Harris. These are great tips. I can picture a few of these pinch points in the areas of the river I fish. Makes sense.

My son and I went to Sandt's Eddy this afternoon, we had 6 hookups and boated 5. We feel we had a good afternoon.

Managed 10 fish and lost 3 plus 1 Brook Trt. all on #1 spoons Chr.Grn/ and Ylw.Chr combination. water temps did fall from the other day and the river came up about 4 inchs at 7Pm as per the level on the concrete bridge columns.some debris on the lines and the cables all day.. watch out for the large branches floating down the riverand some good size logs. one about 20 ft and 18 inches in diameter almost got me today.. warmer weather the next few days should have everyone catching fish. Good luck and be safe on the water..Pappy
--Shadpappy
<mailto:[email protected]>

Fished Just above Port Jervis and near Airport park today and had nothing. Ive never shad Fished before but im guessing its due to the temperatures. Def not giving up and wouldnt mind tagging along if someone would take me. Thanks
--JSmith
<mailto:[email protected]>

airport park is not good spot from shore for shad. the channel is too far from shore to reach.unless you wade. your better off fishing from the newyork side at this spot as the channel is just feet from shore
--russ

I finally had that day that I've been waiting years for.I had over 40 on and landed 36, mostly
bucks.The action was hot and and the area was anywhere above the Portland bridge to the power plant spillway.Those fish are probably in or
near the Worthington camping area or farther north.I was useing tiny hot pink and white spoons and hot pink darts 1/8 oz also 1/4 oz chartreuse darts with mr twisters.Good luck.

Have there been any reports about shad in the Port Jervis area yet ?

Saw a few get caught in Port by the 84 bridge. Spent 2 hrs there last night and had nothing myself
--JSmith

Marked fish all day long,north of Easton but only managed 7 fish today as the waters got up to 60.4 by 4 pm. others faired out as I did with very limited catches.last four days were great with catches and then today is a different story.used every color combination I have at them ??? will try again tomorrow.. word of caution to some of you guys releasing heavy bleeding shad back into the waters.. It is against the law to do so.take them to shore were others want them or give them to the shad tournament for the festival..others see you releasing these bleeders and it is not good for the sport or the conservation/population of the Am. Shad..think about what your doing.!!! Pappy
--Shadpappy

Big letdown north of bushkill after phenominal success there last weekend. Fished this afternoon from 2 - 7, and only boated 11 in five hours. 5 were 4.5 - 5.5 lb roes. Very warm and windy, lots of debris. River dropped another 6-8" since last weekend. Still had a great trip, enjoyed the 93 degree weather, which was absurd. We DON"T want the water warming this much this quick - it's slowing the migration and they will want to spawn. Hope everyone had a great day today, and lots of fish still coming. Good luck and tight lines.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

regarding the release of shad sure to die... I can tell you from experience - shad are the best catfish bait you will ever use. U get a bleeder, save it. Scale it. take the head and guts out, and cut into 2 or 3 pieces to fit into a 1 gallon freezer bag. When shad run is over, head to your favorite lake or of course the Delaware, cut into 2" x1/2" strips, and you will be amazed how well it works.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Thank you JACK, Had the same kind of day as you after the high great catches of days past.too warm to quick for sure.. got your e-mail and will try to get up your way and will let you know before hand..went 9 for 14 today with 5 nice roe all over 5 lb. but short of the 22 inches for the tournament,kept 2 bleeders and the people were on shore waiting for the fish to come in to take.there are always someone in the area that will take them if you dont want them {bleeders}.marker so many fish in the slot that I was in you wouldn't believe, and only managed 14 hook-ups. but did have many many releases but gotten off before I got to the rod.Keep at-em Jack and hope to see some good reports in the next few days.. Pappy
--Shadpappy

fished above milford bridge again tonight. lost 4 and boated 1,last night we oly boated 2 bucks.
water temp.tonight at 8 pm was 67.8 degrees.
--chuck
<mailto:[email protected]>

I havent managed to catch any fish from the Delaware. Ive been at the shad 4 or 5 times now and havent even seen a miss. Any help on where to be at around 5 pm evenings? Thanks
--JSmith
<mailto:[email protected]>

JS, try fishing the Scenic View area from the Pa or the Jersey side with this low waters and that point is a great pinch point for fish moving thru.. use small darts and spoons.. chr- chr/org- blk/org. for the evening with the sun going down there..cast out well into the channel and let it swing and then just reel in as you would a spinner.. Pappy
--Shadpappy

Pappy, Im not sure where that is. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks
--JSmith

JSmith, Scenic View is on Rt.611 just north of Easton,Pa.going north on 611 you will pass the city's water works,Pauch Marine dealer on the left and about 1 mi up there will be a parking area on the right. you will see the point jutting out into the river.. Pappy

Anyone fishing the Delaware in the state park area below Peters Valley,or from Peters Valley to the Dingmans bridge?I fish from shore,which is the best side of the river to fish?What color and size darts or spoons are you useing?Any information would be greatly appreciated.Thanx

nj shore is much better from walpack all the way up past the milford bridge.

fished above walpack bend this morning lost 6 and landed 4,3 buck and 1 roe.

1/4 oz.darts white body red head and white tail.

heading out in about an hour. good luck to all.
--chuck
<mailto:[email protected]>

Thanks Paapy, Ill give it a try this weekend or tommorow evening. Is there a better time of day to ge out or you just gotta be out? Thanks
--JSmith

Planning on a trip up towards Barryville this Sunday 5/3 Any reports of the run up inthat area ?
Thanks

JS, with the amount of fish still moving thru at Easton and at this location, any time or all day should be good. right now there's a large rock sticking out in the middle of the river, cast out toward this rock and let your dart/small spoon swing with current with a slight pumping or jigging motion,at the end of the swing hold rod down and reel in at a fast rate.. Good Luck.... Pappy
--Shadpappy

Wasn't able to get out for shad this weekend - anybody fishing between bushkill and dingman's? How is river looking after the rain?
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

JACK: Fished that stretch Tuesday and landed 8 of 12 hooked in only 2 hours of fishing. Waded an d fished a single fly.



--Richard Fasanello

me and my friend plan to camping and fishing and Dingman campground on Delaware water gap in next fews weeks ,
is that a good place to fishing ?
I would like some suggestion from folk or expect, please !

the river is very low,rain didn't do anything to it's level.hooked 8 and landed 5 last night.
--chuck

Anything happening around Barryville ?

If anyone of you would like to do something POSITIVE for the shad, the DRSFA will be fishing for ripe roe next Sunday from 4-8pm at Smithfeild Beach. The club will be harvesting eggs for the Shad in Schools Program. I challenge you anglers to come out and show what you got. Wouldn't it be great to meet face to face. Homeslice and Stonefly I'm looking forward to meeting you guys. This is your home turf. We also need boats with livewells to run fish into shore. Shore anglers welcome. Contact Dave Bittner at 610 759 1885 or E-mail [email protected]. If you call the hotline @ 610 954 0577 or 610 954 0578 leave your name and phone number after the beep and I'll get back to you. Thanks in advance. Tight Lines.

Will participants in the roe gathering at Smithfield Beach be charged to park for the event?

Call the NPS, and let them know what you're doing, hope you have a special use permit? To avoid any official problems! Plus I'm sure they would lift the "fee use" area for all those participating.....

Why would we need any permits when we will be fishing with hook and line??? Dave called the park office and got the run around, so most of us got the Golden age pass and we'll have to pay the half price deal..Pappy
--Shadpappy

Has anyone fished after all this rain?I'm interested in the Wallpack park area and the area around the Portland power plant,Gap also.Any info would be greatly appreciated.Thinking about headind out this weekend.Thanx

Officials expect a river rise of 6 to 12 inches above the gap, somewhat more below. Most debris should be gone by Saturday. The rainfall above the gap has been less than at Easton and south and with the trees getting their leaves, and soaking up the available soil moisture, it takes more rain to produce significant runoff. River conditions should be very good for weekend fishing.


--Richard Fasanello

fished from 3PM until 7 last night at Sparrowbush, not even a tap.

SHAD REPORT: THURSDAY, MAY 07

Fished above the gap for 6 sessions of 30 minutes (3 hours) from 1 to 8. River conditions optimum for fly fishing despite recent rains. The water was clear and most debris was tree flowers blown in by the stiff morning winds. The water level rose to about 3 inches above where it was Tuesday evening and was holding there when we left a 8 o'clock. I managed 7 landed out of 8 hooked. Jody fished a good 7 hours and proved Homeslice and WG correct in that he only landed 18 of the 23 he hooked. he could not make it 20 no matter how hard he tried. Mostly fresh, pre-spawned fish about half being good size roes. Water temp 61 degrees. gold/red fly overall best, with some on Black/chartreuse. All fish caught wading and using a single fly. Tried my skagit line for my last session and showed some progress achieving 65 to 75 feet on about half the casts. Hope to make it 90 ft. consistently soon.


--Richard Fasanello

Wanna try just north of Bushkill Saturday afternoon. Can I please get a water clarity report? I don't expect much rise in water, but with all the fields plowed I wouldn't be suprised if it's a littl murky.. Thank you!
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

JACK: The water rise at Tocks Island is only .6 ft.. I stopped at Scott Park, Easton today. The Delaware was clear, the Lehigh was off color, but not real mud color. The rain fall above the gap was only about 3/4 inch and that was mostly soaked up by the leaves coming out,on the trees. Very little run off.

The Del. at Easton had a slight stain with visibility of about 2 ft. the Lehigh wasa like lite cocoa. but the fish were still running in there usual channels as well as the Del. managed 4 fish from 10 to 3.wtr temp went from 62.4 to 64.2 by 3Pm. had five hits or releases on the riggers and fish got off before I got yo the rod. ended with scales on the hook each time..fish are still moving thru the Easton area...Shadpappy

Thanks for the reports - much appreciated. Will report my catch today if I go...
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Fished north of Bushkill at my usual spot. Launched at Eshback. Anchored in my usual pinch point in a medium current pool, between two rapids. 1/32 hot red/wht and hot pint/wht darts - with flashabou tails. First hit landed a 17" walley on a dead stick. Then landed 20 and lost about 6. Nice steady action from 3 - 6, then fish shut down just before getting pelted by rain shower. about 12 roes up to 7lbs, and rest bucks. River still low, running pretty clear. Debris from wind and trees was manageable. Good trip - better than I expected. Nothing like the sheer volume of fish I had weekend of 4/20 when every fish had 6 chasing them, but not having been out in a few weeks this was a great trip. One other boat shad fishing in the deeper wide streth and he landed 4 trolling. This area used to be croweded 15 years ago. Those of you fighing for good slots to anchor down south should consider trying upstream a bit. Contact me if you want information.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Correction to my last blog - more buck shad than roes - about 8 roes and 12 bucks landed.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

SHAD REPORT SATURDAY MAY 09

Spent from 1 to 8:30 above the gap fishing 7 sessions of 30 minutes each (3.5 hours). Landed 11 of 12 fish hooked, the largest was a "cow" roe caught during my last session when I was practicing my skagit casting. All caught on a black fly/red head/ gold rib. Wading and using a single fly.


--Richard Fasanello

Way to go with the fly rod Richard! I used to fish from shore a lot, actually enjoyed wading and fishing riffles and such. With 12 year old son, it's easier to get kids the fish from the boat. The fly rod certainly is a very effective way to catch shad with a much better way of presenting the "lure". Keep enjoying this renewable resource.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

Good catches in the Easton area today,landed 21 of 30 fish with some very nice roe-- not near the spawn. marked fish again in the fast currents all day long...HOLDING FISH ??? I DONT THINK SO. The fish that were in Lambertsville the day before will be in the Easton area in 3 days and should be more good fishing..silver or gold #1 spoons with chr/org. and ylw.chr/grn.chr combination worked all day.did better with longer line out from the riggers than short lines. Pappy
--Shadpappy

I fished for two hours Sat 5/9/09 and only landed one shad.I was useing red and white darts 1/4 oz.The area was 2 miles below the Dingmans bridge.It was sunny and windy that day.
I didn't see any other fisherman on the river.Has anybody else fished this area lately?Please reply.

Person asking about Dingman's area - See my 5/10 Blog. I landed 20 in 3 hrs same Saturday afternoon, just 3 miles south of you, with some big fish mixed in. Only one other boat fishing. Next day fished Smithfield (further south) and it was beyond slow. Only 2 hits, one landed.
--Jack Harris
<mailto:[email protected]>

hi new to freshwater fishing as a newbie whats the best way to catch shad from shore ?
-dave brown

Havent had any shad at all this year near the Rt 84 bridge Near milford pa and port jervis ny. Talked to some other anglers who had the same result.
--JSmith

Anyone fishing the Gap area by King Coles, or how about the rest stop area before the rt 80 bridge, going into Pa, or anywhere else in this local?Looking for reports.Going out this weekend.I'll be wading,useing darts and spoons.

JSmith- same here, not much action at all in Port Jervis this year. Wish they would hit like they do south of Digman's. Back in the 80's & Early 90's they sure did. good luck. P.S. Try a fly rod in this low water! its a blast pulling one in on a fly rod!
CATCH AND RELEASE!
--O'lTwnTroller

Any reports on shad in the Barryville area ?

Just found this blog again as it kinda went offline.Newbie,Dave Brown,get a 6 1/2 or 7 ft.medium or light action spinning rod,a quality spinning reel with a good drag[shad pull and fight like crazy fish]6 pound test line,lots of 1/4,3/16 shad darts in red & white,red & yellow and any other color you like.Also get a landing net with a large hoop & long handle[shad are almost impossible to land without a net and not kill them].When you find a spot to try[look through the posts for locations]cast cross current,[straight out or 45 degree angle from the shore]let the dart swing with the current,reel slowly to keep dart just of bottom,retrieve back and cast again.Hope this helps.
Fished upstream from the Mongaup Monday,5/11 hooked 11 landed 10 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.Fished Wed.5/13, dawn to 10:00am caught 2.Fished Wed.evening,same spot 4:30-8:00 nothing,skunkola!Just when you think you have shad all figured out they will humble you.
--Linedog

slow night lastnight,had 3 bumps and landed one nice buck above milford bridge.boy did it rain whew! the water is at 58 degrees,heading out right now.
--chuck

Tried a new spot in Barryville,shoreline casting,7:30am-10;00am,nothing not even a bump.Later I fished Knights Eddy,3:30pm-7:30pm,from canoe,landed 8 lost 9 or 10,red&white darts.The water raised a couple of feet from the rains,and the shad were really aggressive and fought like crazy.I have found that anytime the water raises and current increases these fish really turn on,regardless of the river color.The problem is landing these fish,because they really know how to use the current to thier advantage,which is why I lost more than I caught.Shore fishing,wading,also picks up but you have the same problem trying to land them.Also be cautious of this higher water and current condition,but it is fishable.
--Linedog

I am considering make a trip up to Delaware this evening for a few hours. I plan on wading just north of where Lackawaxen flows into the Delaware on the NY state side. Do you think it will be a wasted trip with the water level and color? I have not fished for Shad in the the last 3 years but am looking forward to getting out there! Any thoughts?

I never had any trouble catching them in high/muddy water. Just don't wade over your knees.

There seems to be a lot more shad moving up the river this year compared to the last few years. This is great news. Just a reminder - CATCH and RELEASE! (unless you kill them on the hook) The more fish that live the more fun we all have for years to come fighting this great fish! Thumbs down to Shad contests! Hoping for a lot of shad action this weekend near Milford PA!
--O&#39;lTwnTroller

Fished between Easton and Belvedere this afternoon. Landed 9 out of 13 hooked, in 4.6 hours. All on a large chartreuse dart, casting from shore. Dirty water no problem. Plenty of fish still moving up the river.

Amen to Twin Troller call for catch and release! The shad need all the help they can get.
--riverdigs

Amen to Twin Troller's call for Catch and Release! The Shad need all our help...
--Riverdigs

Looking for a new report on the Gap area,going tonight.Any information is greatly appreciated.Has the water come down yet?I'll be wading.Thanx
--Shadcrazy

River about 6 inches higher then we like it for one of my favorite spots near Smithfield Beach and a hazardous, slippery bank to walk across, but surprisingly, the place was vacant on Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. A lot of shad were rising and the fishing matched the number of fish in evidence. I hooked the first shad on my third cast. It turned into one of those days when I could do no wrong. In the first five sessions of 30 minutes, I hooked and landed 12 of 12 shad, using a fl. red head, black body, gold rib, fl. chartreuse butt, fly. My last session was fished with my skagit head and a fl. chartreuse head, black body, silver rib, fl. chartreuse butt fly. I had to cut this session to 20 minutes due to a pain developing in my right deltoid muscle, but I landed 4 of 4 fish hooked in that session, for a total of 16 landed of 16 hooked in less than 3 hours. Or better than 5 per hour. One of my companions landed the only roe of the day. Also got to see a bear with 2 cubs swim the river.


--Richard Fasanello

Thankyou for whoever wrote the blog about a trip to the Gap.I didn't get out over the weekend,but I'll try one night after work.I'm happy to see they are still coming up river.
--shadcrazy

Monday, we fished about a mile above Smithfield. Started about 1 Pm and the fishing was slow with about 1 to 2 hookups per hour. From 6 to 8 it improved to about 4 per hour. I used the same fly patterns described above in my post for 05 - 24. I fished 6 sessions of 30 minutes for a total of 3 hours and landed 7 of 9 hooked.
--Richard Fasanello

Are there any reports on shad in Barryville ?

I don't know the location of Smithfield.Is it close to the rt 80 bridge in the Gap?Do you fish
the Pa or Jersey side of the river?
--shadcrazy

SHADCRAZY: I fish both sides of the river above and below Smithfield. It is about 6 miles above the gap. River access is from the Old Mine Road in NJ and River road above Shawnee in PA. Get a map at the information booth in the gap and go to places where the roads are close to the river.


--Richard Fasanello

SHAD REPORT WEDNESDAY MAY 27

Fished Smithfield/Tocks area. started at 1 PM and fished 6 half-hour sessions, quitting at 8 PM. Water temp 63.5. Landed 9 of 13 hooked, only 1 of which was a roe. That computes to about 4 hookups per hour/ 3 landed per hour. Same fly patterns as last 2 times out. Better fishing was had later in the evening, as is typical this late in the season. The very small bucks (end-of-the-run bucks, I call them), which usually signal that fresh run fish will become scarcer and scarcer, have been more and more common lately.

Near the end of my time on the river a mother bear and her cub came down for a drink. The mother started out as though to swim across and the cub began to follow after she had swum out 30 ft. or so. But then the cub made distress noises and returned to the shore. Finally the mother returned and after puttering around on the riverbank for a while, they disappeared into the woods.


--Richard Fasanello

fished just north of Easton today and went 11 for 13 with 5 being roe,, two were in the mid 6 lb. range.a shore fisherman was on the Jersey side also catching in the current seam near the jersey shore.fish are still here and moving thru in the fast currents and channels.#2 spoons worked best in the stained waters, Chr/Org..Ylw and Grn Chr combination and Blk/Pk all caught fish..water temp at 6pm dropped to 64.4 from the 65.8 at 1 Pm.. Pappy
--Shadpappy

SHAD REPORT FRIDAY MAY 29 A DAY TO REMEMBER

I waded into the water in the Smithfield section of the river at about 1 PM. First cast - first shad. A feisty little buck, or "half dollar", as I sometimes call them. The skunk was off but, often this is like winning the first hand at poker - it only gets worse. At the end of this half hour session, with no other hits, I began to wonder. As I rested, the dreary sky changed to patchy clouds and sun. About ten casts into my second session, another half dollar. Not a one fish evening, I am glad to note. As the afternoon wanes into evening, the fishing improves. I even hook a small roe that makes me get out of the water to follow her downstream as she jumps and runs. A bear (my 6th sighting this season) comes down to the water below me and swims across. A Great Blue Heron lands about 50 yards below me and is my only fishing companion this evening. An eagle flies upriver, clearly delineated against the trees. During my rest period prior to my last session, an ominous dark cloud comes toward me, over the ridge on the PA side. Rumblings of cloud-to-cloud thunder are heard. Farther downriver, a clear patch is noted behind the storm cloud. I decide to wait it out. The wind and rain still on the other side of the ridge are heard before being seen. A roar like a jet engine!! I waterproof myself and gear, in anticipation. As the storm clears the ridge, the hillside blurs in the intense rain, driven sideways by the fierce wind. I am quite snug under the forest canopy and there is no thunder or lightning. The cloudburst forces me to extend my rest period from 30 to 45 minutes. Finally the rain tapers off to a decent level and the promise of clearing sky is seen behind the storm cloud. I fish and catch the final 3 fish of a ten fish evening (10/10). The clearing sky produces an ever-changing kaleidescope of pinks, oranges, greys, white, and pale blue; a fitting backdrop as an eagle soars between sky and hilltop.


--Richard Fasanello

fished Scenic View again today and went 9 for 11 with 5 being nice roe. water came up all day and the stain got heavier with lots of debris getting on the lines, even the rubber bands didn't help.the river right now is up just under two feet, saw an imature Eagle flying up the river as I motored up to my location. first one I've seen in this section of the river.will wait a day before getting out again. fish are still here in the area and the action is good, lots of fight in these fish..sorry, to not seeing more guys out on the river for these fish??....Pappy
--Shadpappy

Has anybody been fishing since the water came up?If so,did you catch any shad and what location?By the way,these previouse articles have been very helpfull.Thanx
--shadcrazy

shadcrazy, I fished Monday with the water up and very stained, but did manage four buc for 8 hrs. of fishing.tried four locations and ended with two buc at the scenic view area north of Easton. btw the water seamed a little clearer in this area. with all this rain the river has to be up and still stained making it hard for the fish to see the lure.. used #2 spoons in this high and merky waters, chr/org and Ylw/Grn Chr combination working weel. fish are still on the move .at least on Monday. Pappy
--Shadpappy

Thanx Pappy.
--shadcrazy

Fished Smithfield area Monday and landed 4 of 6 hooked in three hours of fishing. On Wednesday, with the water a bit lower and clearer, I landed 8 of 10 hooked in 3 hours of fishing. Same flies and fishing pattern described in my previous few posts. Better fishing was between 6 and 8 PM.


--Richard Fasanello

A repeat of the last 2 day, landing 6 of 9 hooked today (Friday, June 05). Lots of downrunners Wednesday and today. They are in excellent condition and fighting well. Not had any 70+ temps to stress them yet. Still some uprunners also, taking out backing on the runs and lots of jumps.



--Richard Fasanello

I fished Sat 6/6 at the 1st rest stop/ after the bridge (information area) off I-80 east.I casted from shore for appx two hrs useing a #2
spoon,chr.green&black.Nothing.I didn't see any rising either.From 6:30 AM to 8:30.Visability was poor.


--shadcrazy

Is the Shad run still going on ?

Question, not so much about shad, but about water clarity. The river at the montague guage is ~10.5 ft today. Normal is ~5-6. How long will it take before the water clarity and depth is running normal again?
--MIke