[sutphinda]

Where can I go that is close to Chesapeake to SHAD fish... I want to get in on the action...

 

[bluefish1928]

I am wondering the exact same thing. Here are some rivers I have found from reading- need people with real experience to chime in:
James- Richmond area- maybe further seaward wherever it narrows?
Nottoway
Roanoke- NC

I can also tell you from observation that Hickory shad were hanging out under lighted docks in Rudee Inlet last December along with schoolie stripers.

 

[Guest]

I don't know what u mean by "close to Chesapeake" but they have to go through there to get here to Richmond. They are here but just holding steady. No spawn crazy attacking yet, but I am getting them and white perch in the cast net. The rain will make conditions better believe it or not.....the river is really low. Best shad fishing is when the water comes up. The light cycle and water temps are close to ideal. There is about a two mile stretch here in and near the city of Richmond where 100 fish days are childs play. Worth a 2 hour drive if it were me.

 

[Guest]

The little gizzard shad have been breaking the surface all night. In 5 years of shad fishing in Richmond when they start rollin and poppin the ocean versions spawn soon after. You'll know ur in a good spot because the water just absoulety boils. I like a gold spoon....Carolina rigged with a bullet weight. Make long casts and I jerk, pause, and reel the slack......repeat.......just like a rockfish, they love to hit it on the drop.

 

[twidpa]

Are you boating or on a pier?

 

[Guest]

Are you boating or on a pier?

Me? Or the OP? I hike the banks. Best way is to park in Anccarows or under the I95 bridge and walk the slave trail east or west. The major rip-rap, rocks, pools, eddys, and fall line is a short walk to the west of 95. Bottom fishing this area is about impossible but shad fishing is second to none here. If u go east there is still some rip rap and it gets deeper and the bottom changes. Still awesome shad fishing but also allows ya to soak the hickory or gizzard shad u catch for rockfish and stripers. Watch out for the mountain bikers...and the occasional moped or dirt bike. They fly down that trail full of blind curves. And now that it's warm out it gets pretty wild down there at night.