Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders

Thursday, 16 April 2026

{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Shad Tips

Hi Paul -

Most people use a full sink line for shad as it can be difficult to get the flies down to the fish with poly leader sink tips or intermediate line.

I've always found catching shad is mostly dependent on getting the fly to the proper depth more than anything else, so I would recommend a full sink/30 ft sink tip if you can get access to one.

You may be able to solve that with a poly leader/intermediate by adding weight but my guess is that it will be challenging to get flies deep enough. I'll let other folks chime in as well though.

Good luck!

Brian

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 4:09:07 PM UTC-4 Paul V wrote:

Thanks to those of you who've given me a few tips when I asked a couple of months ago--I have a couple more if you'll indulge me. I'll be renting a boat out of Fletcher's either Wednesday or Thursday next week to fish for Shad. I assume I would just anchor somewhere so that I can easily reach toward the middle? Can I get by with my 6wt and 10 ft. sink tips, or should I bring my intermediate sinking line? I have a fair amount of shad flies--mostly weighted--that I use on the Columbia. Anything else I might be neglecting to consider?

Thanks!

Paul

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Wednesday, 15 April 2026

{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Tips

Thanks to those of you who've given me a few tips when I asked a couple of months ago--I have a couple more if you'll indulge me. I'll be renting a boat out of Fletcher's either Wednesday or Thursday next week to fish for Shad. I assume I would just anchor somewhere so that I can easily reach toward the middle? Can I get by with my 6wt and 10 ft. sink tips, or should I bring my intermediate sinking line? I have a fair amount of shad flies--mostly weighted--that I use on the Columbia. Anything else I might be neglecting to consider?

Thanks!

Paul

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing

if you driving out to check, also check the aqueduct underpass clearance.

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 15, 2026, at 10:10, 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Thanks, fellas. I've seen bass boats out there but I was thinking more pontoon boat size. I might drive out there and check it out myself.

-Miles

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 9:10:07 AM UTC-4 Owen Williams wrote:

My wife works with Team River Runner kayaking for vets and their families there, and we see boats of all sizes launch there (the kayakers have their own dock to launch from). Definitely bass boats with big outboards use the ramp.

Best,
Owen

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:40:55 AM UTC-4 Misha Gill wrote:

Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.

Cordially yours,

Michael "Misha" Gill

(512) 507-4305

My LinkedIn Profile

District Fly Fishing Instagram

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?

thanks,

Miles

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing

Thanks, fellas. I've seen bass boats out there but I was thinking more pontoon boat size. I might drive out there and check it out myself.

-Miles

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 9:10:07 AM UTC-4 Owen Williams wrote:

My wife works with Team River Runner kayaking for vets and their families there, and we see boats of all sizes launch there (the kayakers have their own dock to launch from). Definitely bass boats with big outboards use the ramp.

Best,
Owen

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:40:55 AM UTC-4 Misha Gill wrote:

Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.

Cordially yours,

Michael "Misha" Gill

(512) 507-4305

My LinkedIn Profile

District Fly Fishing Instagram

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?

thanks,

Miles

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing

My wife works with Team River Runner kayaking for vets and their families there, and we see boats of all sizes launch there (the kayakers have their own dock to launch from). Definitely bass boats with big outboards use the ramp.

Best,

Owen

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:40:55 AM UTC-4 Misha Gill wrote:

Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.

Cordially yours,

Michael "Misha" Gill

(512) 507-4305

My LinkedIn Profile

District Fly Fishing Instagram

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?

thanks,

Miles

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice

Thanks Robert! I like your version of the fly! I bought a few at the boathouse but they were coneheads and seemed a bit heavy to me for their size. They didn’t cast all that great and I had a hard time getting them to turn over properly. I’ll try tying a few similar to yours for next time!

Ben

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 7:41 PM robert craven <robpcraven@gmail.com> wrote:

I think size 8 is perfect. I often see them on bigger hook sizes but the smaller shad don't have huge mouths. So size 8 kind It works for everything.

Robert Craven
robpcraven@gmail.com
7039465685

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 2:32 PM Ben Coffman <ben.g.coffman@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!

Ben

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:

This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.

We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.

PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.

38°55'58.6"N 77°07'03.2"W

app.goo.gl

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:

I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice

We had some strong winds coming up the river yesterday but the biggest issue was the crowded banks! There was someone fishing in almost every spot where there was a chance of hitting the main current, even where you suggested! Looked like a great spot and we fished just downriver from there. We saw lots of shad being caught from boats but only a few from shore. One of my kids got one but I came away with no fish on the fly! We had a great time though and I appreciate all the advice!

Thanks!

Ben

On Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 5:53 PM Rob Snowhite <rob@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

I avoided the river today due to the wind. Pollen driving my eyes crazy. Beer tie will have me wearing glasses.
Hopefully the last few days of wind don’t hinder the fly casting. Hot water with low levels could be fun this week out there.

And for hook size, the west coast folks will use a size 10 or 12 nymph hook. Never fished that myself. Sounds weird.

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 12, 2026, at 7:41 PM, robert craven <robpcraven@gmail.com> wrote:

I think size 8 is perfect. I often see them on bigger hook sizes but the smaller shad don't have huge mouths. So size 8 kind It works for everything.

<1000010101.jpg>

Robert Craven
robpcraven@gmail.com
7039465685

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 2:32 PM Ben Coffman <ben.g.coffman@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!

Ben

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:

This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.

We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.

PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.

38°55'58.6"N 77°07'03.2"W

app.goo.gl

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:

I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben
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