Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) are a small, silvery fish species native to North America. They are one of six species of shad commonly found in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout North Carolina. Threadfin shad have elongated bodies with a deeply forked tail and a distinctive thread-like filament extending from the rear of their dorsal fin. They also have a noticeable black dot on either side just behind the eyes. They are the predominant type of baitfish found in Shearon Harris Lake and bass absolutely love them.
Spawn Timing
Threadfin shad typically spawn in the spring and early summer months, typically when water temperatures range between 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C). The exact timing of the spawn may vary based on local conditions and the specific lake or reservoir.
Spawning Behavior
During the spawning event, threadfin shad form large schools near the surface of the water. The males release milt (sperm), while the females release eggs simultaneously. This synchronized release increases the chances of successful fertilization. The spawning activity often occurs during low-light periods, such as early morning or late evening. Often times at Shearon Harris, you will see them in large schools right up on the bank and it almost sounds like it’s raining as they wriggle, flicker, and splash in the water.
Preferred Habitat
Threadfin shad prefer open water and are often found in the vicinity of submerged structures like brush piles, submerged vegetation, or along shorelines with suitable spawning substrates. They are known to inhabit both deep and shallow areas of lakes and reservoirs. In the evening hours at Harris as the water calms, you can see many schools of them bunched up and creating ripples across the surface of the water.
Importance of Shad to Fisheries
Threadfin shad serve as an important forage base for many game fish species. Their abundance and availability make them a primary food source for bass, stripers, and other predatory fish. Understanding the how shad spawn can help anglers target these game fish during periods of heightened feeding activity.
Fishing Techniques
Fishing during the shad spawn can be highly productive. Look for signs of spawning activity, such as surface disturbances, breaking water, or diving birds. These indicate the presence of predatory fish targeting the spawning shad. Cast your lures into the areas of activity and use a variety of retrieval techniques to imitate the movements of the shad. Throwing a cast net and catching shad for live bait can also be highly productive for catching bass. Tight lining with live bait in the deeper waters of Harris has been know to produce giant bass.
Lure Selection
When targeting game fish during the shad spawn, we recommend using lures that mimic the size, color, and movement of threadfin shad. Effective lure choices include soft plastic swimbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures. It’s always good to “match the hatch” so to speak and opt for silver or shad-imitating colors that match the appearance of threadfin shad. Some of the tops baits we use at Harris include:
- Sexy Shad Colored Crankbait – (3-5ft depth)
- Sexy Shad Colored Lipless Crankbait
- Penguin Colored Rapala DT-6
Understanding the timing, behavior, and habitat preferences of threadfin shad during the spawn can greatly enhance your chances of a successful fishing outing. So, next time you hit the local lakes during the spring and early summer months, keep an eye out for the threadfin shad spawn!
