Hey ya’ll,

LrgmouthShad asking a shad question. Can’t really find an answer online. When it is overcast in the summer, will more shad have a tendency to stay in coves instead of heading out to the main lake? Dunno if this question is on a right track or not but of course I’m never afraid to ask a potentially dumb question. Thanks

Generally speaking, shad tend to be very oxygen and temperature sensitive. As such, in summer, most are main lake oriented. They tend to stay deeper during the day, especially when sunny, and rise near the surface and school more loosely in the evening. This can also occur during heavily overcast days. I’d say it’s more likely they might move into the mouths of coves from off the main lake during overcast days, or hold there longer in the morning if they moved in overnight. A lot of variables at play though across different water bodies (size, reservoir type, current, nutrient load, water clarity, etc.), so hard to make an absolute call.

I have recently been finding shad busting in the mouths of coves in the early morning and I'm catching bass using a lipless crank or spinner along the outside edge of nearby vegetation.  It doesn't last long, however.  Once the sun is shining down on the water it's game over.  

My depth finder has been constant bait balls no matter where I drive the last several weeks 

31 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

My depth finder has been constant bait balls no matter where I drive the last several weeks 

Been seeing quite a lot too. 
 

I ain’t gonna be on Badin for a while around some shad. 4th of July weekend, don’t wanna be around heavy boat traffic. Pond fishing instead

32 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

Been seeing quite a lot too. 
 

I ain’t gonna be on Badin for a while around some shad. 4th of July weekend, don’t wanna be around heavy boat traffic. Pond fishing instead

Don’t let those amateurs ruin your fun! I have seen cruiser waves slosh shad around and white bass tearing them up in the waves