Why do shad hold deep?

[Stump bumper]

Does anyone know why the shad are holding so deep on Beaver this year versus last year? I remember last year before Christmas and and years before seeing shad move into the creeks on top of the water and fish blowing up on them. This year they seem to move back through the deep channels and hardly push the top even when attached by schools of fish. Is this a temperature difference ? Does it have to do with were the food is located or water clarity?

[J-Doc]

I'm guessing it's comfort and water temp is a little warmer down low. Water is lower and temps have been different this year above and below. 

[fishinwrench]

It might be water movements.  Pay attention to the generation schedule and see if there is a noticeable pattern to how the schools of shad react to the amount of water being pulled through the dam.

[Guest]

Its colder water pushing them deep combined with wind & water current.

I saw tons of shad in the mouths of major creeks on beaver. Some of them were close to the surface, but most of them were 10ft down to 30ft out in 50. A monster striper crushed on top about 20 yards beside the boat while I was side scanning shad in Ventris. Scared the heck outta me. Fist time ive seen that, next time Im throwing a smoke grub to the schools & a jerkbait. Maybe the deeper bill, since theyre in that zone. I do know the crappie were suspended 15ft down 0ver 20ft 

[Guest]

Those shad have been hanging out 10ft deep in the river channel & channel swings. Im going to keep running the same stuff & switiching species until I get them dialed up. Probably start out with minnows & crappie jigs around docks.