Conference wahoo::fishing

Even though I presently live in NH, I was born and raised in 
western MA.. As a result, I make it a annual goal to travel 
back to the Conn. River every spring for the shad run. On a 
good day, I develop wrist cramps from battling those poor 
man's salmon (alittle exaggeration but, not too much). It is 
without a doubt, one of my favorite fishing events of the 
year. This year I'm plannning to try and land one of these 
beasts on a fly rod. If there is anyone out there who has 
tried this method, I'd appreciate some tips. 

Last year I got a couple of females over 7 lbs. Perhaps this 
year I'll break the big 8.0. In any case, I'll have a good 
time doing it. By the way, has any of my fellow Conn. river
anglers been lucky enough to latch on to one off those river 
run Altantic Salmon yet?
 

RE:-.1 I should be so lucky!!  I read about the occasional salmon catch in
the newspaper, but haven't caught one yet and don't know anyone who has.  
They're still rather rare and I believe it's illegal not to release them or 
turn them in to the fisheries dept.

I used to work in Holyoke and see the shad swimming shoulder to shoulder through
the canals which are a good bet if the riverbanks become too crowded.  I don't
know about shad on flies; I thought they could only be caught on a "shad dart".
I do know if you don't buy your darts early the shelves are empty in April.

I'll be out there myself this year.  See you on the river.

Steve

RE: 46.1
Although I haven't fished the Conn. for shad, I have caught them on flies
in the Indian Head River south of Boston. The most consistent producer
was a "pink lady" wet, fished very slowly. The depth has to be determined
experimentally. This shouldn't be a problem since they seem to hit the fly
fairly consistently. Hooking and holding them is the problem! They are really
exciting on a fly rod and make landing a challenge!

Good luck.

Bill

I flyfish (only) for shad on the Merrimack River below the Lawrence Dam in
northeast Massachusetts.  I have had some success and there is always the
remote possibility of hooking up with an Atlantic.  Flyfishing conditions here
are poor at best due to the tough wading, the lack of good casting areas, the
gangs of kids who play below the dam and the general non aesthetic atmosphere
of the area.  The popular fishing is spinning with a single or pair of shad
darts.  The state is pumping a great deal of money into this area and the
potential for a good salmon return exists for the future if management smartens
up.  That would cause real crowds of course.  Hooking a shad in fast water on a
fly is a rush.  They run so don't get caught without plenty of backing.  The
water changes below the dam so I fish different flylines but mostly a WF8I or a
10FT fast sink tip. I use only one fly or a variation of one fly tied on a #4
eagle claw gold hook.  If interested in the pattern just ask.  Technique also
depends on the conditions.   This is a highly rewarding way to catch shad which
has earned my respect as a true sport fish. 

John.

I am very much interested in the flies used to catch shad.  I am planning
to fly fish the Conn River this coming spring.  Please send details for tying
any flies that have caught shad for you.

Greg

RE:-.2  Now that their has been some activity on the subject of Shad Fishing,
        I can't wait to tell our success story (Frank R and Mine).  It seems
        in Enfield they use what is called a "Willow Leaf" with great success.
        Its a small gold or silver spoon soldered on a gold hook.  At first
        we tried it in the rough waters in Holyoke with very little results.
        The darts were working so we were confused.  We moved across the
        river where the current flow was easier and all hell broke loose.
        We found the greatest success at the edge of the fast current. In
        a short time we were surrounded by boats wondering what delicacy
        we were offering these fish. We have since gone back and the results
        have always been the same. At times we had to pick up anchor to 
        find the fish but this only happens occasionally. This year we are
        going to try Fly Fishing and would like to know what patterns work.
        Good Luck!  

Over this winter I have tied a couple of flies which I'm 
anxious to try this spring. Their nothing special but 
neither is a shad dart, which works consistantly. These flies 
I'm trying can be tried on almost any size hook and consist 
only of a mixture of red/white, red/ yellow, white/yellow, 
etc., deer tail body (tied much in the manner of a MickeyFinn). 
I'm attempting to imitate the colors of my best shad darts.
I'll let you know how they work out this spring. Meanwhile 
can the person in the earlier notes (.3?) send me the pattern 
description via inter office? I'm at MKO-1/1C14. I'd sure 
like to try it out. Thanks!

Bill Downs

SHAD FLYS -- 

I'm not convinced that shad are very selective as many spin fisherman rig a
shad dart either followed or preceded with a single gold hook and a red bead.
Many of the fish are taken on the bare hook.  Shad have a soft mouth so a stout
hook should be in order for any Shad Fly.  Also the fly should be weighted
relative to the water you are fishing; In high fast water you need to get down
to the fish, in low water you don't want to hang on the rocks.  Also use a
short 3x tippet so when you do hang up you can break off without putting too
much stress on the system.  One technique to weight the fly is to build the
entire body from neatly wrapped copper wire either left bare or painted gold.
For wing material I use yellow Kapras goat but I don't think it is available.
Other smooth hairs are calf body and synthetic fishair. Calf tail, although
kinky is often used in shad flys.  I also build a large head with red 6.0
thread.  It takes many turns with 6.0 to make a good head but the extra effort
is worth it.  Finish the head with any head cement or try "Hard as Nails with
nylon".  You may find that you have this product sitting around the house.
Large conventional bucktail streamers and flourescent colors seem to work for
some fishermen as well. 

Basic fly used on Merrimack    Hook:  #4 eagle claw stout gold     
                             thread:  red prewaxed
                               body:  1 strand cream or white angora yarn
                                rib:  oval gold tinsel
                               wing:  Yellow hair, don't extend too far
Tie an oversized head and finish off with 2 coats of lacquer or Hard as Nails.

Hope this helps,                 
John

    	I will be in Florida, during the first week in MAY.  I will be staying
    on Orman Beach.  I plan on bringing my Surf casting rig.  What kind of
    fishing can I expect this time of year on Orman Beach ?

    	Thanks for any responses !

    	=davek.