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How to catch Allis shad

Alosa alosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

About Allis shad fishing

The allis shad is a migratory pelagic fish belonging to the family Alosidae, characterized by a fusiform body, a bluish-green back, silvery flanks, and a distinctive dark spot behind the gill cover. Growing up to 69 centimetres in total length and 4 kilograms in weight, this marine species inhabits coastal waters and estuaries before undertaking significant spawning migrations into major European rivers during the spring months. Adults primarily feed on planktonic crustaceans and small schooling fish, while schooling heavily in coastal areas. Populations have experienced widespread declines due to river obstructions and historical overfishing, making them a heavily protected conservation species across much of their natural range.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    40 cm TL

  • Market value

    Low

  • Habitat

    Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer

  • Also known as

    Alice shad, Allice shad, Mayfish, Shad

Allis shad

Forked Caudal Fin

Distinctly forked caudal fin helps distinguish it from round-tailed species.

Terminal Mouth

Terminal mouth with a distinctive upper jaw notch marks this shad.

Opercular Spot

A prominent single dark spot directly behind the gill opening.

Secondary Lateral Spots

A row of several small dusky spots extends along the upper flank.

Allis shad fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    40 cm TL (max 69 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.8 kg (max 4 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    7–15.6 °C

  • Depth

    55–64 m

  • Longevity

    10 years

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    35.7

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Peak

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Allis shad

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Allis shad

Tips for catching Allis shad

Anglers targeting migratory shad in tidal rivers and estuaries during their spring spawning runs find success using light spinning or fly tackle. Presentation depth is critical, as these fish typically hold lower in the water column, requiring weighted lines, small silver spoons, or micro-jigs to reach them effectively. Early morning and late afternoon hours offer the most productive windows when fish move actively with the tides. Because populations are heavily protected or subject to strict conservation moratoria across European waters, strict catch and release protocols using barbless hooks must be observed at all times.

Other names for Allis shad

Local and alternate names anglers use for Allis shad.

  • Allis shad
  • Shad
  • Mayfish
  • Allice shad
  • Alice shad

Best equipment to catch Allis shad

Compare fishing methods for Allis shad — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.8 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Allis shad

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Allis shad migrates — Anadromous

Grows at sea and swims into rivers to spawn. Target the run as fish leave the ocean and push upstream.

How Allis shad migrates — Anadromous 1. Eggs: Laid in fresh water, usually well up the river. 2. Juveniles: Grow in the river, then head downstream to the sea. 3. Adults: Feed and grow at sea. 4. Spawners: Run back up the river to spawn.
Fresh water Estuary Sea

1 Eggs

Fresh water

Laid in fresh water, usually well up the river.

2 Juveniles

→ Sea

Grow in the river, then head downstream to the sea.

3 Adults

Sea

Feed and grow at sea.

4 Spawners

→ Fresh water

Run back up the river to spawn.

Some populations never go to sea and complete the cycle in rivers and lakes.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Allis shad

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Dawn · Morning · Dusk

  • Main prey

    Plankton · Baitfish

Prey and predators of Allis shad

Prey is what Allis shad eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Where Allis shad lives

Pelagic over the continental shelf — coastal open water, not the deep ocean.

Habitats
Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater
Depth zone
Epipelagic
Sunlight · 55–64 m
Water column
Open water
Does not use the seabed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Allis shad

Mapped fishing spots where Allis shad is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Môle

VarProvence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurFrance

Tragten

FredericiaRegion SyddanmarkDenmark

Virksund

ViborgRegion MidtjyllandDenmark

Oddesund

StruerRegion MidtjyllandDenmark

Douiya Sidi bou Rhaoa

MehdyaKenitraMorocco

Beerkanaal

RotterdamZuid-HollandNetherlands