Shad are also known as the "Poor Man's Tarpon," because fishing for them is affordable and they jump like tarpon! We offer $250 half-day (4 hours) wade-fishing tours on the Rappahannock Fall Line in Fredericksburg. Acrobatic Hickory Shad stack up in the rapids beginning in early March. Striped Bass soon follow, their run peaking in late May. It's the perfect time of year to sharpen your skills while wade fishing shallow water with an abundance of fish. Our Fall Line fishing adventures are customized for beginners, families, young people, and old hats who just want a refresher lesson.
Read more:
Spring Shad Run Hits Hard On the Rappahannock Fall Line - Virginia Water Trails
For spring shad and stripers, 5-8 weight rods are preferable, rigged with a sink-tip fly line. Floating lines will work, but sink tips are great for streamer fishing in fast current. Check out this Orvis line as one example. This sink tip is versatile, and you'll use it under many circumstances.
The water is cold until early May, so wade fishing in the spring for shad & stripers calls for hip or chest waders. By mid-May you can wet-wade in river shoes like Chacos and wear shorts & a t-shirt. That's good gear through the summer months, too, when we are targeting Smallmouth Bass and sunfish.
A hat and polarized sunglasses are game-changers! You want to see your fly and the fish.
Please download, print, read, sign, and bring with you on the day of your event/trip. Thank you!
Rappahannock Adventures offers tours and guiding services that require a minimum deposit received within 7 days of making a reservation. Rates and deposits are determined based on your specific agenda and will be reflected on your personalized invoice. Deposits can be paid with credit card through PayPal or via check mailed to Rappahannock Adventures: 4458 Sunnyside Road Tappahannock VA 22560. Final payment is due at completion of service and can be paid in cash or check. Client may cancel the reservation up to 14 days prior to reservation date and receive a full refund of the deposit. If reservation is canceled less than 14 days prior to the reserved date, the deposit is nonrefundable. Rappahannock Adventures reserves the right to cancel the reservation at any time due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If cancellation by Rappahannock Adventures occurs, client may choose to reserve a new date or receive a full refund of the deposit.
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