American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

American Shad travel in schools, entering freshwater streams in spring to spawn. They are caught by both commercial and amateur anglers when spawning, and the flesh and roe (eggs) are both highly prized. Some regions even have shad festivals when these fish are running up the rivers. Adult shad do not remain long in fresh water, nor do they travel far out at sea.

Look For : A large, silvery herring with a deep, compressed body. Important food fish.

Length : 20".

Habitat : Oceans. Spawns in freshwater rivers and streams.

Range : Newfoundland to Florida.