Columbia River Shad Fishing

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.