Where to Catch Shad in Maryland

Throughout Maryland, shad migrate up rivers, creeks, and streams each spring. Hickory shad begin arriving in February or early March and usually peak in April. American shad begin appearing in March, usually reaching their peak in May.


The following areas in Maryland are famous for their spring shad runs:

In the Susquehanna River, the area below the Conowingo Dam is considered to be one of the top spots in the state for catching American and hickory shad.

Deer Creek, located within the Susquehanna State Park, is a good area for catching hickory shad by kayak or small boat from Susquehanna State Park down to its confluence with the Susquehanna River.

Hickory shad runs occur in the Gunpowder River, from US Route 40 north to the fall line. The river can be  accessed through Gunpowder State Park.

Hickory shad runs occur on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the Elk, Wye, Chester, Choptank, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke rivers. Shad are also caught in Tuckahoe Creek, Marshyhope Creek and other Eastern Shore tributaries.

Hickory and American shad can be caught in the Patuxent River from Queen Anne's Bridge to Wayson's Corner.

Mid Atlantic Hickory Shad Fishing

In the Mid Atlantic region, hickory shad have begun their spring spawning runs. Recreational fishing for these acrobatic fish should continue until mid-May.

These exciting fish can be caught in numerous tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, with the Susquehanna, Gunpowder, Patuxent and Choptank Rivers being known for strong spring runs.

"Now is the perfect time to fish Hickory shad," said Tom O’Connell, director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service.


Hickory shad are anadromous; they spend their adult life in the near shore waters of the Atlantic ocean and coastal bays, ascending streams and rivers each spring along the eastern seaboard.

Hickory shad are part of the herring family and related to the American shad. They can be caught by using small shad darts on ultra light spinning tackle, or on a variety of small “shad flies” on fly rods.

Kayaks are especially effective for catching hickory shad as their shallow draft allows anglers to explore smaller creeks in search of schools.

Hickories are smaller than American shad, averaging 14 inches in length, with large specimens topping 20 inches.In most states, fisheries allow for recreational catch and release only. The best fishing for shad often occurs at dawn and dusk.

source: MD DNR