Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) is a small, silvery fish that is native to North America. They are an important forage fish for many predators, including walleye. Threadfin shad spawn in Bull Shoals Lake from late April to early June, when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Threadfin shad are broadcast spawners, meaning that the female releases her eggs into the water column and the male fertilizes them externally. The eggs are semi-adhesive and attach to aquatic vegetation or other surfaces. The eggs hatch within 2-3 days, and the larvae drift in the water column for several weeks before developing fins and becoming free-swimming.

Threadfin shad spawn in shallow water, typically in areas with depths of 2-5 feet. They prefer areas with aquatic vegetation, such as milfoil and coontail, to lay their eggs. The amount of aquatic vegetation present in a spawning area can have a significant impact on the success of the spawn.

Spawning activity is typically greatest at night and during low-light conditions. The female threadfin shad will release her eggs in batches, and the male will fertilize them as they are released. The spawning process can take several hours.

After spawning, the adult threadfin shad will move to deeper water. The larvae will remain in the shallow water where they hatched until they are large enough to avoid predators. Threadfin shad grows rapidly and reaches sexual maturity within 1 year.

How Walleye are Affected by Threadfin Shad Spawning in Bull Shoals Lake:

Walleye are a popular sport fish in Bull Shoals Lake. They are known for their excellent taste and large size. Walleye feed primarily on fish, and threadfin shad is one of their favorite prey.

During the threadfin shad spawning period, walleye will move into the shallow water to feed on the eggs and larvae. Walleye can be caught in shallow water during this time using a variety of fishing methods, including trolling, casting, and jigging.

After the threadfin shad spawn, the walleye will move back to deeper water. They will continue to feed on threadfin shad, but they will also start to feed on other fish species, such as perch and minnows.

Winter Months in Bull Shoals Lake:

Winter months in Bull Shoals Lake can be challenging for walleye anglers. The water temperature drops significantly, and the walleye becomes less active. Walleye will typically move to deeper water during the winter months, where they will stay until the water temperature warms in the spring.

Despite the challenges, walleye can still be caught in Bull Shoals Lake during the winter months. The best time to fish for walleye during the winter is on sunny days when the water temperature is at its highest. Walleye can be caught in deep water using a variety of fishing methods, including trolling, casting, and jigging.

How Threadfin Shad Spawning Affects Walleye in Bull Shoals Lake:

Threadfin shad spawning has a significant impact on walleye in Bull Shoals Lake. During the spawning period, walleye are more concentrated in the shallow water, making them easier to catch. However, after the spawn, the walleye disperse and become more difficult to find.

The amount of threadfin shad reproduction in Bull Shoals Lake can also affect walleye populations. If there is a good shad spawn, there will be more food available for the walleye, which can lead to increased growth and survival. However, if there is a poor shad spawn, the walleye will have to compete with other predators for food, which can lead to decreased growth and survival.

Overall, threadfin shad spawning plays an important role in the walleye fishery in Bull Shoals Lake. By understanding how threadfin shad spawns and how it affects walleye, anglers can increase their chances of success when fishing for walleye in Bull Shoals Lake.

Additional Information:

Here are some additional details about threadfin shad spawning and walleye fishing in Bull Shoals Lake:

Threadfin shad spawning typically peaks in late April or early May, but it can vary depending on water temperature.

Walleye are most active in shallow water during the spawning period, but they can be caught in deeper water throughout the year.

The best time to fish for walleye in Bull Shoals Lake during the winter months is on sunny days when the water temperature is at its highest.

Walleye can be caught in deep water during the winter months using a variety of fishing methods, including trolling, casting, and jigging.

Here are some popular fishing tackle used for Catching Walleye In Bull Shoals Lake:

Use lures that imitate threadfin (Damaki Rig, Tater Shad...)