Paddlefish
(Polyodon spathula)
Paddlefish
In Montana, paddlefish are
found in the Yellowstone
River as far upriver as
Forsyth, as well as the
Missouri River above and
below Fort Peck Dam.
Habitat includes slow or quiet waters of
large rivers or impoundments. Paddlefi sh
spawn on the gravel bars of large rivers
during spring high water. Conservation
concerns include: loss of spawning habitat
(i.e. they need natural, free-fl owing rivers
to reproduce effectively);
excessive and increasing
water depletions for irrigation;
and potential introduction
of exotic competitors.
Conservation strategies include:
maintaining instream fl ows and
spawning habitat in large rivers; increasing
reservoir water retention during times of
drought; and improving public awareness
of paddlefi sh conservation concerns and
impacts of non-native species.
