The Tar River stretches over 200 miles from northeast North Carolina down into the estuary of the Pamlico Sound. It is one of the largest in the state and connects the cities of Louisburg, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Greenville and Washington.

The Tar River has played an outsized role in shaping not just the geography of the region but the culture of the cities it passes through. Rocky Mount is in fact named for the “rocky mound” at the falls of the Tar River.

As the river flows southeast past Rocky Mount, the city’s position on the fall line between the Piedmont and Sandhills regions provides a front row seat to some of the most prolific natural fish migrations on the East Coast. In turn, the city’s location provides for spectacular seasonal fishing opportunities, particularly as it relates to Shad fishing.

The annual spring Shad run represents a major cultural, recreational and economic event for the region, in particular Rocky Mount and areas along the Tar River. It goes seemingly underappreciated in the annals of game fishing, however the significance of this annual event to the region is not lost on local fishing enthusiasts.

Rocky Mount resident and charter fishing captain William Paul spoke with the TRA+C for this piece. Regarding fishing in the coastal river systems in the eastern part of North Carolina, Paul said the “region as a whole is undoubtedly some of the best shad fishing in the country”. “The Tar River in particular is one of the most productive and unique Shad fisheries in the area”, Paul noted.

Captain Paul has been fishing in North Carolina for over a decade. The American Shad run on the Tar River peaked his fly-fishing interest years ago and he has since spent ten seasons fishing the Tar River during the spring migrations.

In 2020, Paul relocated from Raleigh to Rocky Mount and founded the Tar River Co. Based in Rocky Mount. The Tar River Co. specializes in fly fishing the state’s unique freshwater resources, primarily the Tar and Roanoke Rivers.

In addition to his experience on the Tar River, Captain Paul has spent time fishing all over the lower 48. Paul has also spent eight years guiding during the summer months in Bristol Bay, Alaska at the legendary Tikchik Narrows Lodge.

“I have drawn much of my techniques for shad fishing from my time chasing silver and king salmon in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska”, Paul explained. “Shad fishing really is the east coast equivalent to pacific salmon fishing. The excitement surrounding a relatively short lived event, the community of anglers that flock to the boat ramps, the emergence of wildlife every spring – every piece of the experience is important”, Paul said.

There are two main species of Shad that are considered “gamefish”. The Hickory shad and the American Shad, often referred to as White Shad in eastern North Carolina. Each year these fish congregate deep in the Atlantic Ocean before making their annual spawning migration 100s of miles inland into the rivers of North America. The migration usually begins in late February and runs through early April.

“The fish themselves are incredibly hard fighting fish, and a Tar River American Shad in particular can reach an impressive size”, Paul said. Paul noted, “the willingness of these fish to bite” results in “high catch rate days that can keep even the most novice of anglers hooked up throughout their trip.”

The accessibility to anglers of all ages and skill levels, as well high catch rates is part of the reason so many are increasingly traveling to Rocky Mount and surrounding areas of the state each spring for the Shad run. Captain Paul and the Tar River Co.’s clientele includes people from surrounding metro areas, like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte and Richmond. Increasingly though, Paul sees repeat visitors who make the annual spring pilgrimage from California, New York, Florida, Washington and even the United Kingdom.

Captain Paul’s Tar River Co. offers visiting anglers both day trips and all-inclusive overnight and multi day experiences. Depending on the trip, guides will cook shore lunches centered around wild fish or game harvested during the trip, as well as provide local craft beers and cocktails upon request. Rocky Mount Mills provides easy lodging options for multi day tours with offerings such as the “tiny homes” at River and Twine.

In addition to the prolific Shad runs in the spring, the Tar River in the summer provides a prime spot for bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie, among many other species. The winter offers windows to target Redfish and Striped Bass, locally referred to as “Rockfish”.

Additional information on Captain William Paul and the Tar River Co. can be found at TarRiverCo.com.

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