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American Shad
Uncommon

American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

Also called shad

American Shad are anadromous fish that spend most of their adult lives in saltwater but return to freshwater rivers to spawn. They are prized for their strong fighting ability and are considered excellent table fare.

The record

American Shad at a glance

Scientific name
Alosa sapidissima
Typical size
18-24 inches, 3-5 lbs
Water
Brackish
Habitat
Freshwater
Rarity in the Fishdex™
Uncommon
Where it lives

Habitat

American Shad migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into rivers along the East Coast during spring spawning runs. Anglers target them in rivers using small jigs, spoons, and darts, often fishing in current breaks and deeper pools. They can be found in Florida's St. Johns River system during their spawning migration.

Catch one and it is yours

Log a american shad through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.

How the Fishdex™ works
Questions

American Shad questions people ask

American Shad is Alosa sapidissima. Anglers also call it shad.

A typical american shad runs 18-24 inches, 3-5 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every american shad you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.

American Shad migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into rivers along the East Coast during spring spawning runs. Anglers target them in rivers using small jigs, spoons, and darts, often fishing in current breaks and deeper pools. They can be found in Florida's St. Johns River system during their spawning migration. It is a water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.

Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.

Free on iPhone

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iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.