Identification
A dark shoulder spot, long anal fin and filament-like final dorsal ray are useful features. The small mouth lies below the snout, and the lower jaw is shorter than the upper. Its muscular stomach gives the fish its familiar common name.
Open-Water Habitat
Large rivers, lakes and impoundments provide much of the habitat. Adults can enter brackish water, while young are strongly associated with fresh water. A schooling observation near the surface should not be interpreted as evidence that the entire species is marine.
Spawning and Length
Adhesive eggs sink after spawning in freshwater. The maximum reference is 57 centimeters fork length, measured to the central notch of the tail. This differs from total length, so the fork-length label remains essential when comparing shad measurements.
Keep the Fork-Length Label
The reference maximum ends at the tail fork. A measurement to the longest tail tip is a different convention and should be labeled separately.
All Lakes With Gizzard Shad
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Gizzard Shad records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 1,050 lakes · Page 1 of 44
- A. J. Jolly Lake Campbell, KY
- Aberdeen Lake Monroe, MS
- Acton Lake Preble, OH
- Akron City Reservoir Geauga, OH
- Albemarle Lake East Carroll, LA
- Aliceville Lake Pickens, AL
- Allatoona Lake Cherokee, GA
- Alum Creek Lake Delaware, OH
- Amistad Reservoir Val Verde, TX
- Amory Pool Monroe, MS
- Amy Lake Morgan, IN
- Anacoco Lake Vernon, LA
- Anchor Lake Pearl River, MS
- Angostura Reservoir Fall River, SD
- Antioch Lake Floyd, GA
- Apple Valley Lake Knox, OH
- Aquilla Lake Hill, TX
- Archusa Creek Water Park Lake Clarke, MS
- Arkabutla Lake DeSoto, MS
- Atoka Reservoir Atoka, OK
- Atwood Lake Carroll, OH
- Augusta Lake Pike, IN
- Aurora Pond Portage, OH
- B A Steinhagen Lake Jasper, TX