March Shadness 2025 Report

I had a great week of shad fishing with some fantastic anglers last month.  The Roanoke River's shad run never disappoints.  Year after year, it proves itself to be one of the best fisheries in the state.

Armed with 4wts and 150 grain sinking lines, ultralight spinning rods and 1000 series reels, and a pile of shad flies, spoons, darts and twister tails, my anglers went to work.

The bite ranged from good to great, to sometimes a bit silly for the week that I spent on the Roanoke.  These fish are just such consistent eaters, rarely picky and always willing to put up a fight.

I was very fortunate to have some awesome new anglers aboard, and got to spend some time with clients that returned from previous shad seasons.

It's also great to see other guides from around the state, that you only get to see on a few occasions.  

These Hickory Shad average 1-3lbs, but what they might lack in size, they definitely make up for with attitude.  I feel like anyone who turns their nose up to shad fishing, just hasn't experienced a good day of it.  Moving water, current, hungry fish that flex an ultralight rod, and jump out of the water.  I'd say it's right up there with anything from trout fishing in the mountains to catching bluefish on the shoals at the beach.

They are beautifully designed.  Not related to Tarpon, but they sure do bear a striking resemblance.

And just like mini tarpon, they like to put on a show.

Although it was shad season, we got a few extra fun hookups with some early season stripers.  Tons of fun on a 4wt.

Choices, choices, choices.  ...they all work!

Giving the Mauser Arete a workout.

This one fell for a red and yellow fly, a color that produces year after year.

Every once in a while, you hook into an oddball.  This was my favorite fish of the week.

Even the youngsters are expert anglers when the Roanoke is slammed with Hickory Shad.

I really enjoy getting the family fishing trips up there.  Fathers and daughters, granddads and grandkids ...it's a great way to get youth hooked on fishing, because the action is pretty much guaranteed.

Did I mention that they like to put on a show?

I enjoy having repeat anglers come back for another year of Shad.

And watching them rack up ridiculous numbers of fish.

It's also great getting anglers who are new to shad fishing and watching their excitement as they discover what it's all about.

Sending it to the bank!

Once you lay a cast in the right spot, it's often only a few strips before you come tight.

Welcome to the addiction!

I have a few standards that work well, but I always love seeing what flies other anglers tie for shad, and seeing how well they work.

It was a great week on the mighty Roanoke, and I have all intentions of getting back after the shad again next March.

Another surprise, early season visitor.

These Stripers are fun, and I can't wait to be back up there in a couple weeks when the
​river is slam full of them.