Flapbreaker,
I have to be truthful, there is no such creature. I was just trying to drum up some interest in the Owyhee trip.
On the topic of real shad, if you have not fished for American shad (the kind we really get in the west coast streams, you should go. They fight like a steelhead, especially on a fly rod, and they make some of the best crab and sturgeon bait going. Late May and into early June is the peak of the run. Anchor up in about 14 feet of water and then back bounce small lures like a Dick Knight. From the beach with a fly rod, you will want a fast sinking line with as fly that is tied with the hook turned up. Bead eyes and a bit of weight help, too.
I hope that you folks are surviving the weather. I came back from Rockaway on US 26 yesterday, and it was black ice most of the way. I get nervous when I see ice buildup on my mirrors, antenna, and car body.
Steve