Conference wahoo::fishing

    How about some info...
     
    When do they usually hit the Merrimack, and where's the access points?  
                                                                   
    Ultralights, 6lb test and shad darts right?                    
                                                                   
    Don Mac

    
    For some backround you may want to check out notes # 46, 109, and
    118.
    
    It's Holyoke for me.  I'm after the first prize this year.
    
    

    "Stayin' shad"......or "Goin' shad"?
                                          shadzooks!
    
                                                            NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~

    	Since all I kept in my fish log last year are bass, I don't
    have exact dates. As I remember I fished for them in early May last
    year and that was about the middle of the run. They will probably
    be in  in a week or two. 
    
    	The closest spot I know of to put a boat in where I fish would 
    be Red Slavets on the Haverhill/Groveland line. I normally fish from 
    shore which requires that you arrive before sunrise if you wish
    to get a good spot. Shortly after sunrise it becomes shoulder to
    shoulder. You could get a canoe or a boat that 2 people could carry
    in here. I may try that if it starts getting to crowded.
    
    	Something to bring that you might not otherwise think of is
    extra line. Last year a friend of mine hooked into something which
    pealed out all his line (about 150 yards) before finally snapping
    his line. Aside from this, they are known to do high speed runs
    parallel to the shore which tends to make you very popular with
    the other fishermen/women adjacent to you (if you know what I mean).
    
    	Dons note pretty much sums up the tackle. The shad dart is
    retrieved with a slight jigging motion while keeping it as close
    to the bottom as possible without getting hung up. Also, shad have
    very soft mouths as I believe was mentioned in early notes. Setting
    the hook like you do on a bass while worm fishing will get you 2
    things, frustrated, and possibly fish lips:-).
    
    	RAYJ

    I did last year 5th of May to the Conn RIver at chicopee.
    Landed 8 fish all big.. went two weeks later and only got 2.
    
    BAssin Bob
    

    
    question i have is, do they run as far as Greenfield where the
    Connetticut river runs through. If so were and when will they be
    thier. 
    
    thanks , mark

    How 'bout 3 miles from Greenfield, in Turner's Falls below the dam.
    Although I haven't fished it, I've heard this is a good spot later
    in May.

    
    To improve your chances of catching Shad, you have to look for places
    on the river where they will be concentrated.  It's not by chance
    that the Holyoke and Enfield Dams on the Connecticut are popular
    spots.  The Enfield dam started falling apart in the fifties and
    I believe that the largest breech is along the western shore.  The
    Holyoke dam has a fish elevator and they really bunch up waiting
    to catch the next trip.
    
    If you fish below a working dam, be very careful.  If you're
    shorebound, listen for signals that water is about to be released
    and move to high ground.  If you're on the water keep a sharp knife
    handy for cutting the anchor line.  Wouldn't want to become a
    statistic!
    
    Steve

Any reports of shad in the Merrimack yet?  I would think that they should be 
making an appearance soon.

-hsj-

    I herd a report that all kinds of people are fishing the Westfield
    river on Westfield.   Are they running already?
    
    Bassin Bob

    	Hasn't started on the Merrimack yet. They can be caught but
    you really have to put your time in and more importantly, get lucky.
    I've heard reports of an occasional shad here and there and I picked
    up 2 myself a couple weeks ago but it appears the recent cold weather
    has kept them from really starting.
    
    	Shad, according to the Americana encyclopedia, breed in water
    from 50 to 60 degree's farenheit. Being that shad run the whole
    east coast from Labrador to Florida, I would guess that they start
    their run up here when the water temp. gets close to 50. Before that 
    can happen, the air temp. will have to get at and stay at or about 50
    degrees. That really hasn't happened yet.
    
    	I may go down after work and give it a shot. Looks like it's
    going to have to warm up a bit though before the run really gets
    underway.
    
    RAYJ
   

    does anyone have the dates to the holyoke derby?
    

    why so you can whimp out because the weather maybe bad?
    

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Note 687.0               WHATS A GOOD TIME TO CATCH SHAD               2 replies
VLS3::RADICIONI                                       7 lines  22-APR-1988 15:27
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      OK Guys, whats a good date for the SHAD run in Holyoke ??
    i've been thinking about going May 3rd or the 4th.. That 
    sound a good time or to early ???  HELP !!! not a shad fisherman.
    BUT,sure going to try catching a few.. Like a few ideas..
    
    ARNIE

               <<< MSEE::USER$1:[NOTES$LIBRARY]FISHING.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< FISHING THE LEISURE SPORT >-
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Note 687.2               WHATS A GOOD TIME TO CATCH SHAD                  2 of 2
MODEL::DOWNING                                        6 lines  22-APR-1988 16:01
                           -< Indianhead River Run >-
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    I know that there is a shad run on the Indianhead River (Tributary
    of the North River in the Norwell-Pembroke-Hanover area). Since
    the Indianhead is so small, it seems to me the run would be great
    because the shad would be concentrated in a small area. Anybody
    know best time of year to go, best darts/flies, etc. I also hear
    that most people fish it at night.

    
    The Holyoke Derby is scheduled for the third and fourth weekends
    in May as always.  I'm not sure whether they mean the third and
    fourth FULL weekends in May or what (May 1 is a sunday).  I drove
    by sunday and the sign isn't posted yet.
    
    Steve (currently negotiating a slip on the Conn. river)

    Get to Holyoke EARLY if you want a good shore fishing spot. Last
    year I arrived at 5:30 AM and the place was pretty full. If I had
    a boat that could hold in the currrent, that would be the way to
    go. P.S. the one day I fished there in early May was unusually
    unproductive until the moon came out after dark. At that point people
    were getting some hellacious hits from some pretty big shad. You
    could hear the drags screaming from Springfield to Boston.

    
    According to yesterdays Springfield Union-News, the shad are starting
    to appear at the Holyoke dam.  This, despite the fact that the water
    is still colder than they like but perhaps it is because the water
    level is low for this early in the year.  So, it could be an early
    shad season.  Of course, they can turn off as quick as they turn
    on.  In past seasons they have been known to start their migration
    and camp out halfway up the river until conditions were to their
    liking.
    
    The latest Field and Stream was in the mailbox when I got home
    yesterday and there is the typical May article on Shad in the Northeast
    edition "brown pages".  They gava a phone # to call for an update
    on conditions at the dam:  (617) 366-4470.  Don't ask me why the
    617 area code; we're 413 in Western Mass!  A "local" # was also
    given for Ma's Fishing Tackle & Bait in Holyoke; (413) 532-4408,
    ask for Helen.
    
    Last years run count was 280,000 lifted at the Holyoke dam, down
    slightly from 1986.  They are again expecting around 300,000.
    At Turners Falls further upriver, the lift count drops to 18,000
    so the hot spot is definitely Holyoke (Enfield dam is too deteriorated
    to be a factor anymore).
    
    The article said a count of 40,000 the first week of May would be
    an indication of an early peak (before the 3rd to last weekend of
    May).  Anybody who calls those numbers, please post what they tell
    you here.  I will attempt to update as I can.
    
    Steve_whose_new_slip_is_a_mile_downstream_from_the_Holyoke_dam_
    and_won't_be_ready_for_two_to_three_weeks_(sigh) 

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Note 703.0                  Are the Shad Running Yet                  No replies
MODEL::DOWNING                                        2 lines   3-MAY-1988 08:36
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    Has the shad run hit the Holyoke dam, Merrimack, or Indianhead rivers
    yet? 

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Note 710.0                     IT'S TIME FOR SHAD!                    No replies
USADEC::DAY                                          19 lines   6-MAY-1988 08:26
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    Anybody going down to the Holyoak Dam for the shad run.
    I spoke to the biologist at Mass. fishery and he said "
    not this week but next week it will peak"
    
    He also said that all you need is a 1/8 oz. shad dart 
    and light ( 6lb. to 10lb test ) to catch the big ones.
    
    
    How about a DEC convoy? 
    
    I will be leaving Nashua on Sat. morning at 5:00.
    I hear it is a mad house out there.
    
    See May issue of Field and Stream for more details.
    
    Ps. Coonass, you can have all of the shad roe I get.
    MY wife is from Cajun stock and she says dat da lubs
    dat stuf.
    

    I'll be going Sunday myself. The "plan" is to leave Natick by 4
    AM, arriving no later than 6 AM in Holyoke (if I don't shut off
    the alarm clock in my sleep!). Just to give you an idea, the river
    at this time last year was elbow-to-elbow with shore fisherman.
    Plenty of boats too but at least you have a little more breathing
    room. Expect tangled lines and bring (or buy there) a lot of darts.
    I went through 20 in one day due to hangups and tangling other lines
    (the channel is FILLED with stray pieces of mono just waiting to
    eat a hook). Hectic? you bet, but usually the excellent
    fishing makes it worthwhile.

    Has anyone been fishing below the Lawrence dam yet for shad???
    I didn't make it last year, but the year before I had some great
    afternoons catching a dozen or so shad up to 4 lbs.  The heavy
    current and light rods made it exciting.  I think it was about
    mid May when they started there.
    
    Any first hand reports yet???
    
    Mark,
    

    Bassin Bob and a few friends are going to the Conn River Chicopee
    this friday...  Anyone interested in a Dec Convoy??  BDW or Worm??
    Nice day to take off?
    
    Bob
    

    Went to Holyoke dam Sunday. Fishing very slow from shore. Boats
    were doing better. Think the peak should hit next week or the week
    after according to the locals. About 5000 shad have gone through
    elevator at dam. Those who were catching any at all seemed to have
    best luck with home-brew silver colored darts (haven't seen them
    in tackle stores). Also Willow leaf spoons.
    
    Was in Lawrence briefly a few days ago and no one reported any luck
    at Essex dam. Someone told me they were catching them at Cranberry's
    restaurant on Rte 28 (Lawrence city line) and some bridge in either
    Newbury or West Newbury.
    
    

    Was at the dam in Lawrence next to Rt. 28 yesterday. (staff mtg.)
    Fished for about five hours in my boat. Caught one nice size one.
    
    As me and my partner were putting in, the "MAN" was there. Naturally
    checked things (license & baot registration), but told us if I had
    not brought life vests we could not put boat in! This rule is in
    effect until May 15. After that life vest not required. He claimed
    it was due to water level and water temperature. 
    
    BTW the water was really flowing over the dam. I had to battle all
    the way with the 3HP. 
    
    I saw no other fish caught. There were about 12-15 fishing in the
    area. The fish I got was on a white 1/4 shad dart. In a week or
    so the color won't make any difference. 
    
    Boy, I forgot the fun of watching them jump and run. I am ready
    for more!
    
    				Ed 
    

    Is there a tackle store in or near Lawrence that sells shad darts?
    I usually lose a lot trying to "tick" the bottom.

    Ed.
    In referance to your mention of "LIFE VESTS" It is Federal Law that
    mandates having at least one type 1,2 or 3 Floation device(LIFE
    VEST) on board any boat.. from canoe on up!  
    It appears that you ran into that wacky Mass. Marine police guy.
    
    If you want a copy of boating regualtions. ( you should have them,
    to protect your rights. ie.Knowledge is power) call the U.S.C.G.
    office in Boston (617)565-9025 
    
    If you would like a free copy of my fishing tackle for sale ?
    (I closed out a boat/tackle shop) send me your name and home address
    on vaxmail to Null::Gibson and I'll get a copy in the regular mail
    to you.
    
                                            Walt
    
    P.S. Another good spot for shad is at the bottom of the Hydro dam
    in Lowell.Ma. and at the Pawtucket Falls Dam in Lowell.

    
    The game officer may be referring to the new law in Mass which requires
    all canoe users to WEAR thier life vest during the spring months..
    You just can't have them in the boat, but must have them on
    
    Bob
    

    Good ol' Taxechewshits .This sounds like another infringement on
    my rights! I'll drown if I want to drown! But I sure don't need
    the Duke to tell me how I can do it!!
    
    This sound like the seat beat law all over again! next thing you
    know they will require them in boats. Won't that be fun when you
    roll over the canoe or kayak??
    
    Lets keep with the spirit of the great outdoors and let the decision
    remain with the individual with it concerns.
    
                                                   Walt
    

    This boat stuff should probably be in another note (maybe somebody
    knows where to move it), but I think we pay enough to the state
    in boat registration and sales tax fees so that they can at least
    automatically send a one page bulletin informing us about new boat
    laws. Then,
    if we want more details, we can send away to the Registry for a
    copy of the latest regulations. The state of course can say that
    we should have known about it because it's in the new rule book,
    but it's just nnot realistic to assume that everyone will see it
    or be aware of it (unless they're clairvoyant!).
    
    

        The shad fishing was not too bad on friday.  We boated 10 fish
    and lost 3.  The bigest problem was anchoring a big boat in the
    heavy current.  The colors where silver and chart/red.
    
    One boat with 3 old timers were killing them.  They used 2 once
    sinkers to hold the dart down.  They must have had 50 before we
    had any.  
    
    All in all it was a nice day a little windy, but we had one bad
    point..  The boat keys never made it from the launch to the house.
    Must have dropped them getting into the truck.  IF anyone in chicopee
    finds a floating ranger key chain at the ramp, send them keys to
    the address inside on the boat registration!
    
    Bassin Bob

    Any info on Merrimack or Indianhead shad runs? Where and when are
    they hitting? Will be going to one of these places Sunday.
    
    Hint: Somebody told me that the South River in Kingston/Plymouth
    Mass. area has a decent shad run and is lightly fished. I've never
    tried it though.

    
    SHADDIN UPDATE.............
    
    RR, TBDW and the world famous "TEXICAN" are gonna go from Chickapee
    on Sunday around 9:am.
    
    RR just bought a B I G anchor to hold us right over the big guys
    I just hope that RR remembers to tie the anchor rope to the anchor
    befor he throws it overboard. (not like last time)..............
    
    see ya there
    
    TBDW
    
    

...or the other end to the BOAT!!

Let's also hope RR doesn't get tangled in the line and decide to play
Captain Ahab!

Good luck!

HSJ

    Fisherman Mag says the North River in Norwell is HOT for shad right
    now.

    FYI - An article in last night's Manchester Union Leader stated that
    the shad should be hitting the Manchester area in two weeks.  Still
    haven't made it past Lowell yet.
    
    The reporter mentioned something about herring being so thick that
    the shad couldn't get through.  Also said that herring would be
    in Manchester area in two-three days.  
    
    QUESTIONS:  1) Does anyone fish for herring, and if so what technique
    do you use, and 2) Are they any good to eat?   Paper says they should
    be in the 1 - 2 lb. range.
    
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    MoeB

    I have caught a couple of herring while jig for cod this spring.
    The have hit (not been snaged) large norwegian jigs. Maybe a small
    diamond jig like you use for macks might work.
    
    Bruce

    
    I've caught blueback herring that run with the shad.  They fight
    like a 2 pound shad ... can't say I tried to eat one.  They will
    hit a shad dart.
    
    Current conditions on the Connecticut:  As of monday, 100,000 shad
    had been lifted at the Holyoke dam.  The river is higher than usual
    and rising with all this rain.  BB's right ... silver darts are
    the hot color.  Big river anchor and heavy darts are necessary.
    
    Forecast:  Tourney supposed to start this weekend or next.  Clouds
    and rain for the weekend ... good shad conditions, uncomfortable fishing
    conditions.
    
    Steve (fishing from under the canvas with the Texican on sunday)

    RE:35
        Thanks MoeB, thats the news i've been waiting to hear.

    The reporter also mentioned the fact that some association (Merrimack
    Development Assoc.(?)) may be organizing a shad fishing derby. 
    
    The assoc. wants to publish maps of parking areas and possibly set
    up an information booth to point to the "hot" spots.  
    
    I'll keep my "fish-eye" on the paper and post any updates in here.
    
    MoeB

    More reports:
    
    Indianhead River, tributary of the North River in Hanover, MA. Most
    people fish it at night since that's when the shad move. The banks
    are lined with people and there are frequent tangles. Last night
    there was a fairly good run from about 7 to 9:30, then it tapered
    off. The locals say it isn't at peak yet, give it another week.
    Those that were catching them just let the shad dart sit on the
    bottom (little or no retrieve). How the shad pick a dart up lying
    on bottom is a mystery to me, but it seems to work in this river.
    
    The skeeters are out, so if you are going, bring the bug dope. Waders
    are necessary to cross the river, although you don't really need
    to. Flashlight or lantern mandatory, unless you can tie clinch knots
    in the dark!

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Note 734.0                   SHAD CONNECTICUT RIVER                   No replies
VORTEX::HANEY                                        14 lines  23-MAY-1988 15:44
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    DOES ANY BODY KNOW WHEN THE SHAD START TOO RUN IN THE CONNECTICUT
    RIVER,UP OFF OF RT.2 IN MASS? 
    
    
    
    
    
                                   DAN.
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Dan,
    
    Skip above Route 2.  Come down to Holyoke.  The action was hot and
    heavy on Sunday.
    
    Needed to catch lots of shad:
    
    1.  Small boat - preferably 8' dinghy.
    
    2.  Drink budweiser - shoot 'em.
    
    3.  Cheap tackle - must break before the day is ended.
    
    4.  Not a DEC employee:
    
        Tally on Sunday -
    
        Ranger Ron - 0
        Mike Lowe  - 0
        TBDW       - 0
        Myself     - 0
        The Texican- 1 8" smallmouth
        Everybody else - 24,397 shad, all over 4 #.
    
    Steve

    Steve, you forgot,
    
    5.  Swear every other word.
    
    6.  Look for a bigger boat than yours having trouble anchoring to
        crash into you.  :^)
    
    I knew I should of got bud instead of coors.
    
    Mike_L
    

    Re .44:
    	Yup, you're right.  The only thing Coors is good for is to give
    you a headache and upset stomach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  TERRIBLE STUFF!!!!!

    
    OK.  I'm going out one last time this afternoon.  If I don't catch
    a shad, it's not from lack of trying.  I'm going back to the shore
    by the dam.  This boat fishing doesn't work; not with darts, not
    with willow leaves, not with swedish pimples or roadrunners. 
    
    On sunday I did find where the herring spawn.  There must have been
    thousands in the mouth of the Chicopee river.  I had couple on
    but didn't boat either of them.                              
    
    On an even more tragic note, there was a serious accident on the
    river friday night.  The dockmaster from Jones Ferry Marina hit a
    barge and sunk; one killed, five hospitalized.  All you nightfishers,
    watch out!!  I'm having second thoughts about the 24 hour catfishing
    tourney June 25.
    
    Hey Ron/Gary ... an improvement?  I didn't see your Bronco at the
    Chicopee launch when I passed around 5:00.  Did you bug out early
    too ?
    
    Steve   

    Ya Steve,
    
    We left.......the run is over as far as I'm concerned. All we had
    to show for all day fishing was one little shad. I lost a bunch
    of lures and only had one fish to show for it all. Not the best
    year I've ever had. Guess I was holding my mouth wrong;^)
    
    Oh well, there is always next year....now, on with the bass fishing...
    Ranger Ron