Why is it illegal to use live gizzard shad for bait in most waters?
Live carp and gizzard shad cannot be used as bait, except at Brookville Lake where live shad may be used. The laws do not prevent the use of dead shad as bait in any Indiana water. Gizzard shad are not native to Indiana and have become a nuisance fish in many of our lakes and rivers. When young, these fish provide some forage for predators. However, when they get older and larger, they compete for food with game fish and other species. Live bait that gets loose from the line or bait bucket can invade areas where this problem fish does not currently exist or is not yet too numerous. Gizzard shad are allowed only at Brookville Reservoir to provide a unique angling opportunity to bait the striped bass that are stocked in that lake.
