Gizzard Shad
Clupeiformes Clupeidae Dorosoma cepedianum

Maximum Size: 16”
Shape: Slab-sided
Suggested Hook & Size: Mustad 33909 #1/0 - #14
Thread: Gray, 8/0 Uni-thread

Tail: Silver Hanked Lite-Brite color a Cool Gray tail
Tail Fin: Cool Gray Prismacolor Pen
Body: Pearl Blue Bodi-Braid
Eye & Insert: Silver, Spirit River, Real Eye with Priz Silver 3-D Molded insert
Lower Side: Silver Hanked Lite-Brite with Pearl Blue Hanked Lite-Brite under.
Upper Side: Silver Hanked Lite-Brite with a small Purple shoulder spot

Snout Color or Change Thread: Gray
Belly or Stomach: Pearl Blue Magic Hanked Lite-Brite
Dorsum or Back: Silver Hanked Lite-Brite with Minnow Blue Hanked Lite-Brite over sparsely
Head Color: Silver Blue
Cheek & Chin Color: Pearl Blue

Pectoral Fins: Cool Gray Prismacolor Pen
Anal Fin: Cool Gray Prismacolor Pen
Pelvic Fin: Cool Gray Prismacolor Pen
Dorsal Fin: Cool Gray Prismacolor Pen

Colored Markers: Cool Gray Prismacolor Pen for all fins: Purple for a small shoulder spot
Tying Notes: None

Distribution: This species is found from the eastern slope of the Rockies to the Atlantic Coastal Plains. It is not found in the New England states and the cold water areas of the Appalachians. The Gizzard Shad has been introduced into Oregon, California, Arizona, and Utah.
Habitat: Occurs in all types of environs except those areas of very cold waters. Found in schools in streams to large rivers, and ponds to large impoundments.
Spawning Period: April to July depending on the locale.
Spawning Habitat: Free spawner of open water.
Important Notes: A very important forage fish for all predators from the western Mississippi drainage to the Atlantic Coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico.