← All Fish Species Golden Shiner →

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.

8–14", 0.5–2 lbs
Typical size
4 lbs 7 oz
Michigan record
Spring and fall (when used as bait)
Best season
86
Listed lakes

Full stocking history & restocking forecasts with Fishing+

🎯 Sign in to add Gizzard Shad to catch list
🏆 Michigan record 4 lbs 7 oz ·Sedrick Neinhuis ·Grand River ·Kent County ·2026 All records →

📅 Best Times to Fish Gizzard Shad

Jan
None
Feb
None
Mar
None
Apr
Fair
May
Fair
Jun
Fair
Jul
Fair
Aug
Fair
Sep
Fair
Oct
Fair
Nov
None
Dec
None

🛡 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.

🌊 Where to Catch Gizzard Shad in Michigan

Lake County Population
Arbutus Lake
510 acres
 Grand Traverse Good
Bear Lake
3,350 acres
 Manistee Good
Big Blue Lake
620 acres
 Muskegon Good
Black Lake
10,130 acres
 Cheboygan Good
Brevoort Lake
4,179 acres
 Mackinac Good
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
 Cheboygan Good
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
 Oakland Good
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
 Charlevoix Good
Cheboygan harbor, Lake Huron Cheboygan Good
Cheboygan Lake
640 acres
 Cheboygan Good
Coldwater Lake
1,561 acres
 Branch Good
Crooked Lake
650 acres
 Emmet Good
Croton Pond
1,605 acres
 Newaygo Good
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
 Benzie Good
Douglas Lake
3,400 acres
 Cheboygan Good
Elk Lake
7,793 acres
 Antrim Good
Elk Lake
7,793 acres
 Antrim Good
Fletcher Pond
8,600 acres
 Montmorency Good
Fremont Lake
1,700 acres
 Newaygo Good
Glen Lake
4,944 acres
 Leelanau Good
Most valuable for Gizzard Shad anglers
See where Gizzard Shad will be stocked next
Full stocking history across all 86 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
Fishing+ — $4.99/mo

📋 Quick Gizzard Shad Facts

🔗 Resources

🐟 All Fish Species 🎣 MDNR Sport Fishing 🔬 MDNR Fish ID Guide 🪪 Buy a Michigan Fishing License 🎣 Log a catch

💡 Angler Tips for Gizzard Shad

No tips yet for this species. Fishing+ members can share tips and photos.
💬Be the first to share an angler tip Fishing+ members only