It’s that exciting time of year again on the North Carolina coastal plain—shad fishing season is gearing up! As anglers gather along the shores of rivers like the Cape Fear, Neuse, Tar, and Roanoke, they’re hoping to catch one of the season’s signature fish: the migrating shad.

This is a special time, as both Hickory Shad and American Shad make their way north in their annual migration, arriving at various points in North Carolina. Right now, anglers are casting their lines for Hickory Shad, with American Shad expected to follow closely behind. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, now’s the time to get out there and enjoy the thrill of the shad migration. Grab your gear, hit the water, and see if you can reel in a big one before the season shifts!