Fish ID
American Shad
Sea-run herring that floods the American, Feather and Sacramento in late spring. Hard-fighting on light gear and small darts.
Key ID marks
- Row of dark spots behind the gill
- Deep, thin silver body
- Saw-edged belly
Mouth ID
Toothless mouth with a jutting lower jaw; delicate, so handle gently.
Typical size
2–5 lb
Best season
May–June
Where
Lower American, Feather, Sacramento
Look-alikes
Threadfin shad (tiny bait fish).
Find it here