The Columbia River is the fourth largest river in the United States. Most of it is found in the State of Washington, and along Washington’s border with Oregon. Excellent fishing opportunities are to be found all throughout it, for many different species of fish. One particularly not-well known fish frequenting this river is the American Shad. The American Shad are not native to the Columbia River; rather they were introduced many years ago, and have subsequently thrived. Unlike other non-native species, Shad have not been shown to be disruptive or dangerous to the popular Salmon and Steelhead populations within the area. Shad are sometimes called the ‘Poor Man’s Salmon’ as they follow a similar path of migration as Salmon. They are born in streams and tributaries of the Columbia, than migrate to the Pacific Ocean via the might Columbia. After spending time growing in the sea, they travel back upriver to the place of their birth, similar to Salmon and Steelhead. However, unlike Salmon, they do not die after spawning, and may return to the sea again, continuing the cycle.
Shad may caught all over the Columbia, however some places are known for exceptionally good Shad fishing. One of the most popular locations is right below the Bonneville Power Dam. Here, from late May through the beginning of July, one may find legions of anglers attempting to catch this large-scaled fish. It’s not uncommon (actually, it is more like the rule) for anglers to be fishing shoulder-to-shoulder on the shore. Casting accuracy and lure control are of vital importance here, as one inadvertent cast can foul multiple lines, often ruining at least someone’s chance of a shad hook-up. Some people will boat fish for these silvery targets, and many may caught this way, but bank angling remains the most popular way. Consider coming early in the morning to get better spots, but certainly don’t expect the shore-line to be empty at any time.
A large variety of setups are used to catch Shad, but almost all of them share this in common: they are all quite simple. Shad fishing is not like trout or bass fishing-no fancy lures are needed here. Many anglers use an empty (occasionally tipped with a small plastic grub) jig with a colorful head, or a bead/hook setup. Some use small spoons, and spinners. The trick is finding what is most visible on a particular day, and where the fish are located. The basic idea is to use something shiny or colorful, casting it straight out (or slightly upstream if there is room), letting it drift for a little bit with a tight line, then quickly reeling it back in to avoid any tangles. Fish will hit hard on the drift, and sometimes on the beginning of the retrieve. Be careful when fighting the Shad, as the male are exceptionally good at throwing the hook, especially with their leaping skills. Females tend to be larger, but do not jump as much. It’s not unusual for adept anglers to catch 20+ fish each day, at the very least.
American Shad offer an excellent fishing opportunity for anglers from the Portland/Southwest Washington region. Few fish are as plentiful and at the same time as fun to catch as the Shad. If you do go, please, please remember this: Don’t waste! Either practice careful Catch and Release (if the fish is in good condition when caught), or keep them for food. There may be loads of them, but every popular starts out that way-it’s up to us anglers to ensure that we don’t take more than we need, and that we act as responsible stewards of this natural resource by not wasting those we keep. I have witnessed dead fish dumped in the river for no reason-please do not do this!
