White Shad Pattern

So here we are on the Monday after a great weekend trip to the White River with the crew. I had a very slow morning on Saturday. I was trying to catch some bruisers that were swimming in some slow moving water above the shoals where everyone was fishing. When there is low water, I often go to an area where the water is moving slowly so that I can see the flashing of big brownies feeding below me. It is quite a fantastic scene that can go from exhilarating to frustrating in a matter of minutes. I tried everything to catch these guys. I tossed some big uglies ... nothing; threw on the delicate nymphing setup ... nothing; I then tried a double quarter pounder with extra mayo ... NOTHING! I was getting a little frustrated to say the least. I began my day at 8:00 a.m. standing on a fallen tree in the middle of the river. It was now 11:00 am, and the only fish that showed pity on my soul was a little 11’’ Bow. Thank you little fella for your sympathy. Oh well, on to the fly that made the day great ...

The WHITE SHAD is a fly that is very popular in striper circles. I had tied a few the week before our trip for times when the water is flowing and leads into some stagnant water. I have found that tossing the fly in the moving water, letting it drift down, then stripping up current makes for success. It was noon thirty when the guys and I had just gotten back on the water after our lunch. We found a nice current at the end of a shoal that led into some slower moving water. I tied my SHAD, which consists of a size 8" streamer hook, some red dumbbell eyes, some white marabou/rabbit fur, and some brown deer hair on top, and tossed using the technique described above. First cast, nice 15’’ rainbow… Second cast, beautiful 14’’ brown… I went on to land multiple fish with the fly and loved every second of it. Feeling the tug of the fish is simply amazing. I loved throwing this fly because it is very versatile and the fish, when it is the right time, seemed to go off on the fly. The fly was absolutely torn up by the end of the day.

In conclusion, if you want to make your experience of fly-fishing aggressive, throw on a White Shad pattern and get to streamer fishing. Nymph fishing can lead to some great numbers and some nice fish, but there is nothing like the tug of a brownie hitting your streamer.  Ole’ Mac Mcleod streamer fished all day and did very well. He caught several nice fish both in the morning as well as after noon. It can lead to some big fish, but will always lead to a worn out shoulder and a calorie-weakened body. So here's a word of advice for you: Get ripped next weekend with the P90 Streamer Workout! Take a White Shad, and show that lady of yours that going to the river every weekend will benefit both of you with some eye candy. The fish for you, and your new rock hard body for her.

Blessed Waters,
Chad