Saltwater Fish of Connecticut
American Shad
Alosa sapidissima
🏆 Connecticut State Record
Harvest9 lb 4 ozEdward Cypus · 1981 · Connecticut River, Windsor
Catch & Release—
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Also called: Shad, White Shad
Identification
Deep, silvery body with a forked tail and a dark spot behind the gill cover.
Habitat
Coastal waters; runs up the Connecticut River to spawn in spring.
Behavior
Anadromous; travels in migratory schools.
How to Catch
Darts and small shad jigs; the CT River spring run is famous.
Notes
Roe is considered a delicacy.
Where to find American Shad in CT
- Thames River Norwich
- Yantic River Bozrah