Archives for American Shad

The Nature of Phenology 5/18/19: American Shad

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com.

Shad run at various times in the year depending on where they live along their range from Florida to the Atlantic provinces of Canada. Here in Maine, that time is in the spring. Shad are large fish that can grow up to 30 inches with the males being considerably smaller than the females. They are relatively thin fish that are brilliant silver on their bellies fading into rich metallic purple on top. Their strong tail is deeply forked.