Adhesive eggs attach to submerged objects and hatch in about 4 days. Although adult shad are moderately deep-bodied, fry are extremely slender and delicate looking until they reach about 1.25 inches in length. Gizzard shad are planktivorous. Young feed on microscopic animals and plants, as well as small insect larvae.

What time of year do gizzards spawn?

Spawning Temperature: 64-69 degrees. Gizzard shad prefer to spawn during a stable or warming trend. Traditional Spawning Time: In Southern Reservoirs such as Beaver Lake, gizzard shad begin spawning in mid-April and continue through May. Most of the actual spawning occurs at night.

How do you tell if shad are spawning?

There are a few ways to tell where it's happening. For one, the blue herons will be perched along those areas gobbling up the massive schools of bait. Gulls and egrets will take advantage of them, too. Another big sign is when you see shad popping out of the water near shore.