American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

American shad are anadromous and native to the East coast of North America. Due to introductions into the Sacramento and Columbia Rivers in the early 1900s, they are now found all along the West coast of North America. During the summer months, spawning adults can be encountered in estuaries of major river systems in British Columbia, such as the Fraser River. While they can be quite big in their native watersheds, American shad found on the West coast are usually quite small, around 12 inches or less in length.