We were up on Patoka cruising the lake in a pontoon. One of the guys on the pontoon has fished Patoka like I have since it was built. He mentioned how the shad population isn't near what it was.
I hadn't really thought about it I didn't fish Patoka much the two years previous to this year but he is right I didn't see near as many shad as years ago this year. It developed into a conversation as to why. I said I know the shad are cold sensitive and the last two winters have been cold. Also perhaps the walleye, yellow bass, or drum that are present now?
Does anyone that fishes Patoka disagree with the shad numbers being down or have other theories? Really curious I was thinking perhaps some areas may have more shad than others.
Whatever the reason I am hoping this to be true as it will increase the food base for game fish.

