| Welcome to our first fishing report of the season! During the past week the American Shad began their run on the Merrimac River.
Fishing conditions at the start of the week were a bit difficult due to significant rain runoff and the large astronomical tides. The fast and hard running water forced the shad to move close to the river bank.
This situation greatly helped the shore line anglers who were enjoying many good hook up's. As the week progressed, the water flow and clarity improved as well as the fishing.
The fish we saw and caught were a good mix of females running in the 5-7 lbs range and males running about 3-4 lbs. The spinning tackle anglers were taking fish using shad darts retrieved slowly with little or no jigging action, sizes 1/8 - 1/4 oz in various color combinations of chartreuse and red with gold colored hooks.
We fished from our 14' aluminum pram using 200 grain sink tip fly lines on 6 wt rods. The fly choice (RV Shad Pattern) is a creation of Captain Al and is most effective with the chartreuse or charise yarn head. The fly is fished
deep, close to the river bottom and retrieved slowly.
  The number of shad moving up the river looks to be about normal for this early on. We fully expect the fishing to improve as the weather warms and water conditions become normal. If you have never fished for shad, you are missing out a very exciting game fish especially on light spinning or fly tackle.
A few tips to get you started.The river is tidal and best fished on the falling tide starting at the high. We have found fishing in the afternoons to produce a little better than the mornings. If you plan on fly fishing, this is best accomplished from a boat or canoe. Casting from shore is difficult at best, trees and bushes prevent effective back casts. Light tackle spinning is your best bet if you don't have a boat.
The fishing area of interest is called Rocks Village. Prime time for this area will occur during the next 3 weeks. It is best fished on the W. Newbury side just upstream of the Rock's Bridge. The town of W. Newbury allows
street side parking and there is a small boat launching ramp available at no charge. Alway's be respectful of the
residents who live nearby and don't leave your trash.
   
If you are interested in a guided trip in the evening or morning, NCA can accommodate you. Our rates for this action are $100.00 for 3- 4 hours.
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