Hickory Shad Fishing in Connecticut
When hickory shad are caught across Connecticut, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Hickory Shad catch through the year
Recreational catch in Connecticut by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching hickory shad in Connecticut
Hickory Shad catches in Connecticut run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jan-Feb. Anglers keep about 12% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Connecticut fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch hickory shad in Connecticut?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jan-Feb. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release hickory shad in Connecticut?+
Across Connecticut, about 12% of the hickory shad caught are kept and 88% are released. That works out to roughly 3,435 kept and 24K released in 2024.
How many hickory shad are caught in Connecticut?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 28K hickory shad caught by recreational anglers in Connecticut in 2024, making it the #14 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this hickory shad data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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