Go Fishing Forum

From Virginia Outdoor Report

Spring is upon us and the annual run of shad has begun as they make their way into our freshwater rivers to spawn. In recent years, many anglers have been rediscovering these fine silvery jewels from the sea, as increasing numbers of hickory and American shad are providing exciting, spring angling opportunities. American shad and hickory shad have already arrived at Richmond in the James River and should arrive at Fredericksburg in the Rappahannock River by late-March. Fishing for hickories usually winds down in late-April in the James and early-May in the Rappahannock. Americans may be caught through the end of May, but most are gone by the middle of the month. Remember, it is catch and release only for American shad (check VDGIF and VMRC regulations). Click on this link for more information on the American Shad Restoration Project to collect American shad eggs and stock fry as part of a cooperative effort to replenish shad stocks in the James and Rappahannock rivers. Get updates on Fish passage progress. Shad Cam is back up for the season and enthusiasts can once again enjoy capturing images of American shad and 20+ other species of riverine fishes as they pass through the Boshers Dam fishway on the James River. Time to go fishing!