No other Ozark tailwater event gets local and visiting anglers more excited than the annual shad kill. This is when the dynamics of the water in the lakes causes millions of threadfin and gizzard shad (these are a forage fish that are usually silver or white) to congregate by the dam’s stock pens on the lake side. The stock pens are the tubes that take water to the generators. The shad end up at these depths because that is where the warmest water in the lake is (@50 degrees). When power is generated, tons of the shad get sucked through the turbines and they end up in the river. The harrowing ride and change in pressure usually leaves the shad crippled, and as they float along the surface they are easy prey for the river’s trout. In order for a shad kill to occur, the winter must have some cold periods, and there must be enough water in the lakes to allow for power generation. Growth rates of the trout are amazing during these times and it is also a great opportunity to catch a huge fish. When a food source becomes readily available, our trout will ‘key-in’, and they soon learn to feed very opportunistically. During the shad kill, the fishing is usually excellent throughout the White as many of the river’s elusive browns begin feeding aggressively. Norfork can also be exciting during the shad kill, and it is fun because you don’t know what species the next fish may be. On some days you catch mainly brook trout, cutthroats, and browns on the Norfork which is a rare treat.

Because a shad kill only occurs during high water periods, the most effective way to fish at these times is from a boat at first light. Much of the action occurs at or near the surface, and it can get pretty intense during the right conditions. If you are interested, please be sure to call early because we are usually booked if the shad kill is ‘on’. Although shad kills have began as early as October and have lasted through May, usually the best months for taking advantage of this phenomenon are January, February, March, and April. March is usually the peak because early spring rains can supply the fuel for extended high water periods. Even after the shad stop coming through the generators, many big fish still recognize this food source and shad imitations will work during certain conditions throughout the summer. If this intense high water trophy fishing seems right up your alley, make sure you bring several back up rods (in case you snap one on a brown as long as your leg), a couple extra flies, and plenty of Tylenol for sore muscles. Then give us a call for the latest conditions. If you hit it right, the shad kill can provide memories for a lifetime.