SHAD

ROB SNOWHITE IS THE LEADING AUTHORITY ON THE SUBJECT OF FLY FISHING FOR SHAD

Springtime fishing for shad on the Potomac River and its smaller rivers is an incredibly thrilling type of fly fishing. Besides shad, you might catch a dozen other species of fish during a day during this season. It's a less complicated way to fly fish, offering some of the finest fishing opportunities of the year.

This is called “The Shad Run” and locally we call it #SHADNESSMADNESS

Shad Fishing Is Like A Box Of Chocolates- You Never Know What You Will Catch. There are minnows mixed in with 90lb catfish in the same spots.

FAQ

Q: Where can I learn all about shad, how to fish for them, and what flies to use?

A: Search Rob's podcast archive. Everything you need to know about shad is discussed in several episodes. Search WaypointTV Podcasts.

Q: Where can I read an article by Rob’s friend Marshall?

A: InsideNova Article Rappahannock River: A river as complex as its fly fishers

Q: When do you fish/guide for shad?
A: Guiding usually starts around the last two weeks of April through first two weeks of May depending on conditions. Guided trips can be scheduled earlier if the fish are in and water levels are below 4 feet at Little Falls

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: License, rod/reel/sink tip, flies, polarized glasses, footwear that can get wet, angling gloves

Q: What time do we start? Do we need to start before dawn?

A: We will start at either 7am or 9am seven days a week. Water levels, water clarity, and water temperature are more important that time of day

Q: What tide do you like?

A: Outgoing

Q: Do you wade the Potomac for shad?
A: Never. It is illegal to enter the water where we fish and it would drown you

Q: What is that bird?

A: On an average day you will see a lot of cormorants, seagulls, terns, crows, king fishers, swans, martins, vultures, vultures, bald eagles, ravens, blue herons, and osprey. Bring binoculars.

Q: Can I buy flies from Rob?
A: Yes, please check Rob's Etsy shop or stop by his house. To avoid shipping fees have Rob bring the flies to the river.

Q: Can we keep the fish?
A: You can keep as many white perch and snakehead as you want. Laws prohibit the removal of American shad, hickory shad, and river herring. Bring something to put your fish in if you plan to keep them.

Q: What is your rate?
A: $60 per angler per hour whether on foot or boat

Q: What license do I need for Chain Bridge?

A: Chain Bridge (even though we are standing on the Virginia side) require a DC license for both Virginia and DC shorelines

Q: What do I wear

A: If on shore you should be prepared to get your feet wet. No open-toe shoes. You will smell like really stinky shad/herring. You may get fish blood, slime, milt, or eggs on you. Don't wear your nicest clothing. Angling gloves are highly suggested. Be prepared to be in direct sunlight and standing for several hours. Polarized sunglasses for everyone.