Looking for a Shad fishing partner or info.
 

I relocated from NJ in fall of 2005 to South Orleans, Ma. For years I have fished the spring for Shad in the Delaware River and stripers on Cape Cod during the summer. Since moving to the Cape, I have missed my shad fishing and would love to get some info or someone to show me the ropes. I prefer American shad, but also enjoy hickories. I have run a very popular shad website for many years, and feel lacking in my knowledge of shad in NE. I know places like the Merrmack offer both stripers and shad in the spring, but I have never fished there. Any help would be appreciated. The lousy surf fishing on the Cape last year also has me frustrated. There is definitely a serious problem with the availablity of large bass. I am new to using this BB, so please excuse any blunders. I have found a lot of great info on this board. I thank you all for that.

You guys that shad fish the Delaware have quite a reputation. You can put the best striper nuts to shame. Good luck.

the best shad fishing is on the conn. rv ....holyoak, ma.... or south hadely... it starts there about last wk of april for about 6 wks... shad darts in all colors1/16 to 1/4 oz ...rods w/ 6lb boots etc.. get to the holyoak dam fish dwn river 1/2mi both sides..... i been fishing for shad for 40+ yrs 10000 shad + 1 wild conn rv alantic salmon about

The closest run is probably the North River on the Pembroke/Hanover town line. The best spot is below the Indian Head River dam. It usually peaks in Mid-May, which is a tough time around here, since it's the beginning of the striper run. Sunset is the best time.
I'll be heading up there (I'm on cape as well) at least a couple of times this spring, and I don't mind showing you the ropes. I got a 6.5 pounder out of there 2 years ago... absolutely one of the best battles I've ever had on rod & reel.

If you want info on the holyoke dam shad run let me know (pm me ). I grew out there and fished that area hard as hell. Some big bass down there too. It can get busy down there and lock your car and dont leave anything of value in it in plain sight either. It can be downright shady at times.

plenty of hickories in the fall in the salt pond

I also vote for the CT River. But please be careful. I can also send you to a spot on the Westfield which is usually where I end up because I am to chicken to go to Holyoke alone!!!

I grew up in the South Hadley area and spent MANY days targeting shad before the bass took over my mind. Landed American shod to over 7 pounds back when I was younger, just never on the derby weekend. The area from the Holyoke dam to about 3/4 mile south is about as prime as you can get. Basically just find some river access and follow the crowds. I used to hang with the Worcester guys when they would come up for the weekend and had a blast. If you are familiar with Delaware river fishing, you should be able to figure out the CT river pretty easily. I would be willing to share some of my experiences and spots if you want to drop me a PM. It is a solid 2 hour ride from the canal, though.

The Chicopee and Westfield rivers also have some very good runs. I landed my one and only Atlantic salmon in the Westfield around '95 or so. Awesome battle on a 5 weight fly rod and reel with no drag. :eek: We used to drift rubber salmon eggs on the fly set up for shad there. Had a spot where you would stand on a rock and site fish the pool below. I tormented that salmon for a good 30 minutes before it got mad and ate my offering.