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text
and photo by
Paul Marriner
illustration: Robert Biron |
May - American Shad,
Annapolis River, Nova Scotia
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By the time
the white and pink flowers of the shadbush bloom in late April
or early May, it’s a good bet that the spring runs of
American shad, the shrub’s namesake, have returned to
Nova Scotia’s rivers. And it’s on the Annapolis
River and its principal tributary, the Nictaux, that anglers
can expect to find the largest run, with the prime fishing centred
around the town of Middleton. But it’s not until the apple
blossoms appear near the end of May that the fishery peaks;
by mid-June it’s game over. Once widely known as the “poor
man’s salmon” because of their abundance, these
herring-like plankton feeders spend most of their lives in the
ocean but return briefly to freshwater rivers to spawn. On the
upstream journey they hold in pools or anywhere there’s
the slightest obstacle. During the trip back they’re more
easily found and sometimes take lures or flies more aggressively.
Averaging three to four pounds, shad may not be monsters, but
they sure put up a good fight. And if you’re into numbers—a
50-fish day is possible—American shad aim to please.
TACKLE
AND TECHNIQUE
| BEYOND
SHAD |
| The
Annapolis River also has some nice brook trout fishing
in May along with a small number of brown trout,
while the lower portion of the river is home to
striped bass and, for those who like dip-netting,
rainbow smelt. |
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Virtually
all fishing is from the banks. Spin fishers should use eight-
to 10-pound test and a jig called the shad dart, a local favourite
available in various colours, though red and white is favoured.
Fly anglers will want a 6-weight outfit with a fast-sink sink-tip
line (floating line will often also work when the shad are returning
to sea). Sparsely dressed flies in the same colours as the shad
dart are recommended in sizes 8 to 10. Cast the dart or fly
down and across stream, let it sink, then slowly work it back.
Note: The area has a substantial population of wood ticks, so
wear a hat, use bug repellent and tuck in loose clothing.
GETTING THERE
From Halifax, take Highway 101 to Exit 18A and follow the signs
to Middleton. At Middleton, take Highway 10 for a few hundred
yards to the river.
BEYOND
THE NIAGARA RIVER
Looking
for more local shad hot spots? Also try:
•
Medway River
•
Mersey River
•
La Have River
Note: All of the above are roughly 100 kilometres from the
Annapolis Valley and have significantly smaller runs.
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TO HOT SPOTS |
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