Deer Creek Shad

Type: Nontidal
Region: Northern
Location: Deer Creek

The Deer Creek hickory shad run is in full swim as of noon yesterday. Some combination of sun, moon, water conditions, and the blooming dogwoods have spurred the shad imperative to charge upstream for their essential spawning party.

This is the indispensable outing to inspire light tackle anglers to put away housework in favor of an exhilarating jump on the season.

All you need are some waders (no felt soles), a #4 fly rod, a small red & gold marabou streamer, a camera, a fishing hat, and a box of Maryland fried chicken to make it a perfect day.

Spin casters are using a double rig with a simple shad dart hanging on a dropper above a small silver spoon�with dependable success!

My time on the river was enhanced greatly by the spontaneous camaraderie of Mike Canzak from Bel Air, who showed me a trick or two, and Wade Mayberry, who kept me company on the round trip from Annapolis.

Notable characters on the creek included John Page Williams from CBF, Ken Lewis of CCA, Dr. Stanley Watkins from Anne Arundel Medical Center, Dr. Neil Goodrich (my excellent dentist), and countless fathers, sons, grandfathers, grandsons, lady anglers, and new comers.

There were plenty of fish and room for everyone. But there was only enough chicken for the crew who stayed until the moon rose above the trees.