The gizzard shad is common to abundant in many Iowa waters and has been collected statewide except for a few northwest locations. The fish has been collected in all of the major river systems, large reservoirs, and many of the man-made lakes. Gizzard shad exhibit the typical herring body shape with a deep, oblong body that is strongly compressed laterally.
Color ranges from bright silvery blue on the back, silvery sides and a dusky white on the belly.
A dark shoulder spot is common on younger fish but may be absent from adults. The front of the head is rounded with a sub-terminal mouth. Teeth are absent. There are about 190 rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch. The eyes have adipose eyelids with vertical slits.