When Do Shad Spawn in Your States? A Comprehensive (List)

As anglers, we always look for the best times to fish in our home state and elsewhere. To help you maximize your opportunities to catch shad, we have compiled a comprehensive list of when do shad spawn in each U.S. state. This information will help you plan your bass fishing trips accordingly!

For many anglers, shad are a prized catch-hungry bass. These active fish can be found in many waterways across the country and provide plenty of excitement when hooked.

Because of their popularity, it’s essential to know when do shad spawn in your state so you can time your trips accordingly to catch big fish.

In this article, we will look at when shad typically spawns in each U.S. state. This information should help you plan your next bass fishing trip! Read more details about catch bass shad and spawning patterns throughout the country.

Quick Jump

What Time Are the Year Does Shad Spawn?

The time of year when shad spawn varies depending on the species of shad.

Some shad species, such as the American Shad, spawn in the springtime, while others, such as the hickory shad, spawn in the summertime. The spawning season usually occurs when water temperatures reach about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Generally speaking, shad spawn in the early morning hours. However, this can vary depending on the particular body of water where they are breeding.

For example, shad in the Chesapeake Bay have been known to spawn at all hours of the day in grass lines, while shad in the Susquehanna River typically generate at night. It is important to note that not all shad generate every year. Some shad, such as the American shad, only spawn every other year.

Now that we’ve answered the question “when do shad spawn?” let’s look at the specific spawning times for catching bass shad in each U.S. state.

When Do Shad Spawn for Most States (List)

ALABAMA: Shad in Alabama typically spawn in March and April.
ALASKA: Shad in Alaska usually spawn in May and June.
ARIZONA: Shad in Arizona typically breed in March and April.
ARKANSAS: Shad in Arkansas usually spawn in March, April, and May.
CALIFORNIA: Shad in California naturally spawn from March through June.
COLORADO: Shad in Colorado typically spawn from April through June.
CONNECTICUT: Shad in Connecticut typically spawn from April through June.
DELAWARE: Shad in Delaware typically spawn from April through June.
FLORIDA: Shad in Florida typically spawn from March through June.
GEORGIA: Shad in Georgia typically spawn from March through June.
HAWAII: There are no shad species that are native to Hawaii.
IDAHO: Shad in Idaho typically spawn from April through June.
ILLINOIS: Shad in Illinois typically spawn from April through June.
INDIANA: Shad in Indiana typically spawn from April through June.
IOWA: Shad in Iowa typically spawn from May through July.
KANSAS: Shad in Kansas typically spawn from April through June.
KENTUCKY: Shad in Kentucky typically spawn from May through July.
LOUISIANA: Shad in Louisiana typically spawn from March through June.
MAINE: Shad in Maine typically spawn from May through July.

How Many Weeks Does the Shad Spawn Last?

Shad Spawning lasts from two to four weeks, typically around three weeks. Spawning usually occurs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in late April or early May.

Shad may begin arriving at the bay as early as mid-January and remain through June. Females move into freshwater to spawn, while males remain in saltier water and release their milt over the spawned eggs. A female may produce from 2,000 to 60,000 eggs.

The eggs hatch within two to four days, and the young shad, called fry, emerge from the gravel and disperse downstream. Threadfin shad increase during their first summer and reach an adult size of six to eight pounds in two years.

Do Shad Spawn Twice a Year?

How Often Does Shad Spawn? Shad generate several times per year, typically in the spring and fall. However, there can be some variability depending on the particular waterway and climate. In some cases, shad may even generate more than twice a year.

It is believed that shad generate more frequently in warmer water temperatures and at lower latitudes. For example, American shad in the Chesapeake Bay have been known to breed up to three times per year.

In contrast, hickory spawning shad in the Susquehanna River typically only breed once per year.

Spawning frequency also varies depending on the particular shad species. For example, American shad generate more frequently than hickory shad.

What Time of Day Does Shad Spawn?

Shad typically generate during the early morning hours. However, there can be some variability depending on the particular waterway and climate.

For example, shad in the Chesapeake Bay have been known to breed during the late afternoon and early evening hours. In contrast, shad in the Susquehanna River typically generate during the early morning hours.

How Do You Tell If Shad Are Spawning?

One way to tell if shad are spawning is by throwing a spinner bait swim jigs. If you see a lot of fish chasing the bait, then it’s likely that they are shad and spawning. You can also look for a milky sheen on the water, which is another sign that shad are spawning.

If you see many fish gathered together in one area, they are likely spawning. You can also look for a milky sheen on the water, which is another sign that you find spawning shad.

When Do Shad Spawn in Ohio?

Shad typically start spawning in Ohio from April through June. However, there can be some variability depending on the particular waterway and climate.

For example, shad in the Ohio River has been known to breed as early as March in spawning pockets. In contrast, shad in the Lake Erie tributaries typically breed in May or June.

When Do Shad Spawn in Texas?

When the water temperature reaches 70°F in Texas, The American shad are expected to start spawning. They will continue producing offspring until they run out or die from exhaustion, which can occur at any point during summer months when waters reach this moist and warm level.

in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the American Shad begins to breed as early as November and can last until July. However, the peak of the shad bass spawn is between February and early April.

Most fish spawning will occur in streams with a moderate to high flow rate and temperature between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Shad Spawn Water Temp (Gizzard Shad Spawning Temperature)

The ideal water temperature range for shad spawning is 64-69 degrees Fahrenheit. Spawning usually occurs in the early morning hours when water temperatures are cooler. If the water temperature rises too high, shad will stop spawning.

What Do You Throw While Shad is Spawning?

A spinner bait is one of the best lures to use when shad are spawning. Because shad generate in very shallow water, they are vulnerable to being attacked by predators. The spinning blade on a spinnerbait imitates a wounded shad’s motion, making it an irresistible lure for predatory fish.

What Happens to Shad After They Spawn?

After spawning, they typically move back into deeper water. Males tend to stay in deeper water than females. This is because males need to recuperate after spawning, and they could be better at competing for food.

Females tend to move into shallower water to feed on the small invertebrates that are abundant in these areas. After some time, the females will move back into deeper water to rest and recuperate.

Conclusion

To ensure a successful shad fishing, it is essential to understand when they typically lay their eggs. When do shad spawn list provide spawning dates for every state so that you can be prepared? Do you have any tips for a successful shad spawn? Please share them with us in the comments below!

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