March 27, 2020
The shad fishing since my last report has improved in the Fletcher’s Cove area. Anglers from the shoreline and private watercraft are catching hickory shad with regularity and the occasional American shad. There still hasn’t been the epic day that all shad anglers dream of but we are still a couple weeks away from peak season. There is plenty of time for improvement.
Along with shad there have been catches of striped bass, walleye, blue catfish, and flathead catfish in the area. All of these species will become more active as more herring and shad make their way into the river system. A few perch have been caught but there are no signs of a significant perch run happening this season.
Just how much fishing will be happening in the coming weeks is yet to be seen. Fletcher’s has postponed our opening and does not have an estimated start date. For now the park and parking lot remain open but NPS has closed bathrooms at the facility. It is not inconceivable that driving access to the park will be restricted at some point. Staff will no longer be onsite at the boathouse so this report will not be updated until we open. If you choose to visit the park please be respectful of the area and continue to practice proper social distancing.