Shad Flies

Shad are one of the unsung species in our area. They are great fun and usually willing to eat a fly (especially the Hickory Shad). Below are my favorite patterns for chasing Hickories as well as Americans. Fly selection for Shad need not be complicated. With a few adjustments in size and color of these patterns you will be set. 

O'Neill's Shad Crack

​This is a go to pattern for all Shad fisherman. Tied on Mustad 79580 Signature hooks, these flies are suitable for both American and Hickory Shad. As mentioned this should be a staple in every Shad fisherman’s box, it has been said "this is the only Shad fly you will ever need" The combination of the Flymen Company Nymph-head fly color beads and marabou tail make this pattern irresistible. That is why I named it "Shad Crack" because they just can’t leave it alone. 

O’Neill’s Hazardous Waste

​The newest of my Shad Patterns the Hazardous Waste is one of those patterns where you have a material you know you want to work with but can’t figure out where to use it. This is the third version of this pattern as the body material I used on the first 2 was not durable enough. Using the Flymen Company colored beads and a little Senyo laser dub for the collar this guy is bright as a neon sign in the water. That is where it got its name from. Using a wide gap Mustad 3366, the first one I tied landed well over 50 shad before I lost it. Try out a few Hazardous waste flies the next time you are on the Shad River…you will be glad you did
P.S. He works GREAT for Trout as well.    

The Micro Clouser

My most productive Shad fly, probably because I fish it the most. Simple in design, just a hook, dumbbell eyes, and 2 materials, this  fly will be an instant staple in your Shad fly box. Favorite colors include; Black / Chartreuse, Pink / Pearl, Red / Yellow, White / Red and Chartreuse / Yellow.  

The Dart

In designing this fly I wanted something that would resemble the ever popular Shad Dart that are so popular with the spin fishermen. I guess you could just tie one of those to your tippet and fish it, but that didn't seem right to me. Double Tungsten cones with Lead wrapped in between the cones means this guy will sink like a stone. A great choice for deep or fast moving water. Colors include Gold / Red and Sliver / Blue.  

The Shruder

This fly design came to me in the spring of 2014. My buddy "One Boot" Ed and I had been banging Hickories for days and we decided to fish our light Spey rods. We shortly realized light Spey rods were the ticket and fished them exclusively for the rest of the season. Because we were fishing 2 handed rods I wanted a fly that was tied in the "spirit" of Spey fishing. Using Ed Wards famous Steelhead fly the "Intruder" for a model I came up with a much smaller, 2" version, suitable for Shad. The Shad / Intruder or Shruder proved itself in the first outing with double digit fish landed on the first fly I tied. The removable hook allows the flexibility of point up or down, or changing hook sizes or styles as needed. Colors include;  Black / Chartreuse, Pink / Pearl, Red / Yellow, White / Red and Chartreuse / Yellow.  


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