Shad Run Building in the Connecticut River
American shad are beginning their spring migration up the Connecticut River. First fish of the season counted at the Holyoke Dam fish ladder.
Current Conditions
- Water temp
- 50°F
- Moon
- Waning Crescent
- Weather
- Warm and sunny, light winds, 62°F
New to these readings? What do water temp, cfs, tide, and moon phase actually mean for fishing?
What's Biting
American Shad
Shad darts on light tackle
Striped Bass
Following the shad up
What's Next
Shad numbers should increase dramatically over the next 10 days as water temps climb. The Holyoke Dam area is the go-to spot. Light tackle anglers should have shad darts in chartreuse and white.
Context
The 2025 shad run was one of the strongest in two decades.
This report is synthesized by Hooked Fisherman from real-time NOAA buoy data, USGS stream gauges, and current reports across regional fishing blogs, captain updates, and angler forums. Source names are cited inline where they appear. Check local regulations before keeping fish. Never trust a single source for a trip decision.