Tips for Proper Handling & Care of Paddlefish

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Paddlefish give anglers a unique and unusual fishing opportunity each spring. The Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers support this unique and special fish. Anglers have an opportunity each spring from May 15-June 30 to catch a paddlefish.

Paddlefish eat very small aquatic organisms, such as plankton and insects. According to Bernie Hildebrand, biologist with FWP, "Paddlefish are a filter feeders with long gill rakers. They move lots of water through their gills and the gill rakers catch the plankton."

To hook a paddlefish, anglers have to snag the fish and reel it to shore. Normal fishing methods, such as lures or bait, are not effective for catching this unique species of fish because of their feeding habits. Typically a heavy strong pole and fishing line with a treble hook is used. The angler throws the heavy hook as far as possible across the river and begins to jerk the hook back to shore while reeling in the line. If the angler feels resistance in the line, they set the hook. Once a fish is hooked, a historic struggle begins between the fish and angler.

According to Jack Austin, FWP Warden Sergeant, "Anglers must have purchased a fishing license and paddlefish tag. Even if the tag was used during the harvest season, the conservation license will show that they had secured the paddlefish tag. Anglers need to know that during the catch-and-release season no gaffing is allowed."

The successful fisherman can do several things to assist the fish and reduce the stress associated with being caught. Once the fish is near shore, lighten up on the tension with the line. Slowly work your way to the fish to look over your catch. Keep the fish in the water. When you handle the fish, be gentle. Use pliers to remove the hook and gently work the hook out. This process will cause less injury to the fish if you have flattened the barbs on the treble hook.

Brad Schmitz, Regional Fisheries Manager suggests, "If you take the fish out of the water, hold your breath and when you need to breathe so does the fish, so put it back into the water." If you need to capture the moment with a photograph, gently lift the fish with both hands under the stomach. Don’t lift the fish by the paddle-like snout and avoid touching the gills. Keep the fish in a horizontal position, just as if it were swimming. Take the photograph over the water and get the fish back into the river as quickly as possible.

Jack Austin, Region 7 Warden Sergeant said, "Play the fish short, get them into shallow water and release them as quickly as possible. Remember the fish are spawning so treat them as gently as possible."