Top American Gizzard Shad Fishing Countries

The American gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) is a freshwater fish native to North America, commonly found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the United States and parts of southern Canada. Recognizable by its deep, laterally compressed body and long, thread-like dorsal fin, the gizzard shad is primarily a forage fish, serving as a crucial food source for larger predatory fish. While not a major target for commercial or recreational fisheries due to its bony flesh and low market value for human consumption, the species is harvested in significant quantities for use as bait, fish meal, and animal feed. The United States is by far the leading country in the harvest of American gizzard shad, with commercial and bait fisheries most active in states bordering the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, and southeastern reservoirs. Canada also reports minor harvests, mainly in the southern Great Lakes region. Overall, the American gizzard shad plays a vital ecological and economic role in North American freshwater systems, though its direct commercial value remains modest compared to other fish species.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.