American Shad
Alosa sapidissima
Size & Weight
Max Length
30.0"
Max Weight
12.0 lbs
Lifespan
7 years
Habitat
Estuaries and coastal rivers during spawning
Behavior
Spawning Season
Spring
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
May-June in Columbia/Umpqua rivers
Techniques: Spinning; fly fishing
Best Bait: Shad darts; small jigs; spoons
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good (bony)
Rich; oily; sweet; prized roe
State Records
Washington
6.6
lbs
Oregon
6.4
lbs
California
7.0
lbs
Official Resources
Change History (Last updated Feb 10, 2026 at 02:01 PM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2026 02:01 PM | Added image | — | species-106-2b9ad33e70f9fd3a.jpg | Source: ODFW |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Lifespan Years | — | 7 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated CA State Record | — | 7.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated WA State Record | — | 6.6 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated OR State Record | — | 6.4 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Max Weight | — | 12.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Max Length | — | 30.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Conservation Status | — | Stable |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Flavor Profile | — | Rich; oily; sweet; prized roe |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Edibility Rating | — | Good (bony) |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated PNW Season | — | May-June in Columbia/Umpqua rivers |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Best Bait | — | Shad darts; small jigs; spoons |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Fishing Techniques | — | Spinning; fly fishing |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Spawning Season | — | Spring |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Habitat | — | Estuaries and coastal rivers during spawning |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Native Or Introduced | — | Introduced |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Category | — | Other |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Scientific Name | — | Alosa sapidissima |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Species created | — | — |