Gizzard Shad
🔬 Dorosoma cepedianum
Gizzard Shad are one of the most important forage fish in Michigan lakes, forming a critical food source for Walleye, Muskie, Striped Bass, and large predators. They are also widely used as trophy bait for big pike and muskie.
🎣 Get Full Stocking Data & Forecasts
Fishing Pro · $4.99/mo · Cancel anytime
Bite this month
Fair
Best season
Spring and fall (when used as bait)
Regulations
limit No limit
Where to Catch Gizzard Shad in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
|
Arbutus Lake
510 acres
|
Grand Traverse | |
|
Bear Lake
3,350 acres
|
Manistee | |
|
Big Blue Lake
620 acres
|
Muskegon | |
|
Black Lake
10,130 acres
|
Cheboygan | |
|
Brevoort Lake
4,179 acres
|
Mackinac | |
|
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
|
Cheboygan | |
|
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
|
Oakland | |
|
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
|
Charlevoix | |
| Cheboygan harbor, Lake Huron | Cheboygan | |
|
Cheboygan Lake
640 acres
|
Cheboygan | |
|
Coldwater Lake
1,561 acres
|
Branch | |
|
Crooked Lake
650 acres
|
Emmet | |
|
Croton Pond
1,605 acres
|
Newaygo | |
|
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
|
Benzie | |
|
Douglas Lake
3,400 acres
|
Cheboygan | |
|
Elk Lake
7,793 acres
|
Antrim | |
|
Elk Lake
7,793 acres
|
Antrim | |
|
Fletcher Pond
8,600 acres
|
Montmorency | |
|
Fremont Lake
1,700 acres
|
Newaygo | |
|
Glen Lake
4,944 acres
|
Leelanau |
Gizzard Shad Conservation Status
The daily bag limit is No limit.
Gizzard Shad Habitat & Behavior
Open water of lakes and large rivers, often in large schools near the surface. Highly tolerant of varying water conditions. Found in most large Michigan inland lakes and the Great Lakes. DNR records show Gizzard Shad present in 86 Michigan water bodies.
Best Gizzard Shad Techniques
Cast nets for harvest as bait; rarely targeted with rod and reel — filter feeders that do not readily take hooks
Best Gizzard Shad Baits
Not typically targeted — harvested with cast nets for use as trophy bait for pike, muskie, and catfish
Gizzard Shad Fishing Regulations in Michigan
No limit
Daily limit
No limit
Possession limit
Year-round
Season
Check local regulations on the use of cast nets. Gizzard Shad may not be used as live bait in all Michigan waters.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
Best Times to Fish Gizzard Shad
Angler Tips for Gizzard Shad
No tips yet for this species. Fishing Pro members can share tips and photos.
Be the first to share an angler tip
Fishing Pro members only