Report provided by Mark Binstead:
We have been thinking about shad through the darkness of winter. The first recorded catch of the year always lifts our spirits and heralds the season of renewal. This year, the start of the shad run may also serve to clear the clouds of dismay hanging over the fishing community. The Potomac River has truly recovered from the events of a horrendous winter, and we are happy to report that the very first shad has been caught. A tenuous start for sure, but springtime is finally here.
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Record heat arrived last week just as a mild freshet was passing, leaving the Potomac in decent shape for fishing. The timing felt right for catching shad on Tuesday, but the river was still murky and cold, showing few signs of life other than some lethargic cormorants. John Kuriawa observed that the river “didn’t feel very fishy” but set out to prove himself wrong. He spent all afternoon combing the shoreline and changing lures, teaming up Mike Tsukamoto for much of that time. (Both men helped with our recent Shad Night event.) No catches were made or observed, no lucky strikes granted.
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The next morning, Tsukamoto accompanied me in a Fletcher’s rowboat for another marathon effort in frustration. At least, we confirmed the presence of one hickory shad. Seconds after I missed the only strike of the day, I watched as the offended fish burst clear of the surface, seemingly giving me the finger.
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Drained of enthusiasm, we paused for a mid-river conference with Chris Campo and Bobby Stiller (above). Campo had just lost a hickory shad at the boat, the only one all season that will matter. We shared funny stories about last season and predictions for the new one. The June-like weather was disorienting, but the trees along the banks were still bare and just a few of weeks back we could have walked to the spot where our boats were anchored (below). February was brutal and it will apparently take more time this year for the shad run to blossom.
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As we rounded Walker’s Point on our way back upstream to one last spot, I shouted to two kids on shore, asking them to send me a photo if they were to catch a shad – it might be the first. One of them responded immediately: “Somebody already did that yesterday – on Fishbrain!”. Well, duh! Surprised and confused, I turned to Tsukamoto for a translation. Once we were anchored, he went straight to his phone.
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Fishbrain is a social media app that helps you find fishing spots anywhere in the country. A thumbnail photo of a hickory shad on their website backed up what the kid told us, without any details (it’s gone now). Upon downloading the Fishbrain app, you can sign up for access to the full array of information. They say the app will help you “fish smarter” for only $79. Is it worth it? Some of us need to keep exercising our own brains and are happy with the social circle we currently prioritize. Admittedly, I probably should fish smarter, having spent five hours trying to catch the first hickory shad of the season after one had already been caught.
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Congratulations to the mysterious angler for catching the first hickory shad of the year on Tuesday, March 10. It was probably landed along the Gordon’s Rock shoreline, a short walk upstream of the Cove – that’s where the kid I spoke with pointed. The level at Little Falls was just over 4.5 ft. and the water temperature rose from 51 to 54 degrees over the course of the day. We hope to hear from this person and show readers the confirming photo next time. Jason Jones let me know about a hickory shad he caught on Friday at the same spot. He is delighted with finishing second and we appreciate the notice.
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The Potomac did not take a big hit from Monday’s severe storms, but turbidity levels are still higher than we like. Shad fishing will take off once water temperatures, currently below 50 degrees, reach 55 degrees and beyond. Use the links below to keep an eye on river conditions throughout the spring. The river’s recovery from the January sewage spill has been reassuring and daily water testing at Fletcher’s Cove continues to confirm that conditions are safe for river recreation. Despite this, skepticism abounds. It remains to be seen how participation in the shad run will be affected.
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Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse, that venerable institution of higher angling, is set to open this Saturday, the first full day of spring. Great weather is expected for the season launch. The new website is worth a look if you don’t already have a Spring Season Fishing Pass for daily use of the rental rowboats – the best deal in town! Otherwise, fishing with friends is a good way to manage the regular hourly rates. You can reach Fletcher’s by phone through a call center at (202)337-9642 – ask to be transferred to the tackle shop if you seek fishing information. Visiting the Boathouse is the best way to keep up. Please stop by the shop on weekday afternoons to help keep me informed about the shad run. Or, speak with Alex or Bobby when you see them in the morning. Click on my name below to send an email.
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The Shad Report enters its twentieth season this year. We will continue to offer stories of great fishing and remarkable wildlife, all the while providing guidance on technique and location as you plan your next fishing trip. We are interested in all area rivers, but our focus is the spectacular tidal section of the Potomac Gorge, with Fletcher’s Cove the launching point. If you are new to the DC area, welcome to the finest urban fishing in the country.
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