Fly Fishing for American Shad in Maine

My name is Brandon Bichrest, and I have been a Maine fishing guide since 2015. I specialize in fly fishing on Maine's rivers and enjoy introducing anglers to exciting species beyond the traditional trout and salmon.

One of my favorite seasonal fisheries is the American shad run. Each spring, American shad migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into Maine's rivers to spawn. These powerful fish begin arriving in early May and typically remain in the river systems through late June before returning to the ocean. Along the way, many become prey for striped bass and bald eagles that follow the migration.

I guide fly fishing trips for American shad on the Kennebec River from mid-May through late June using my river boat. Shad are hard-fighting fish that provide outstanding action on a fly rod and are one of the most underrated sport fish in Maine.

While the Kennebec River offers excellent shad fishing, these fish can also be found in many of Maine's coastal river systems, from tidal waters to upstream spawning areas.

During our trips, anglers can enjoy fast-paced shad fishing and, when conditions allow, we can also target striped bass after catching a few shad. This combination offers a unique opportunity to experience two exciting migratory fisheries in a single outing.

Whether you're new to fly fishing or an experienced angler looking for something different, an American shad trip is a great way to experience Maine's spring river fishing at its finest.