Threadfin Shad Fishing in Virginia
When threadfin shad are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Threadfin Shad catch through the year
Recreational catch in Virginia 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 threadfin shad in Virginia
Threadfin Shad catches in Virginia run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 10% 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 Virginia 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 threadfin shad in Virginia?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jul-Aug. 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 threadfin shad in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 10% of the threadfin shad caught are kept and 90% are released. That works out to roughly 117K kept and 1.1M released in 2024.
How many threadfin shad are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 1.2M threadfin shad caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #8 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this threadfin shad data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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