Alton, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation says that paddlefish season begins March 15, 2020, and ends April 30, 2020.
The paddlefish snagging season is from March 15, 2020, to April 30, 2020. The Mississippi River season is from March 15, 2020, to May 15, 2020. The Mississippi River also has a fall season from September 15, 2020, to December 15, 2020. [1]
What Is A Paddlefish?
Paddlefish are named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts. They are an ancient species that can grow to seven feet and weigh more than 100 pounds. Major paddlefish snagging places are Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Table Rock Lake.
Anglers must have a current fish permit when they go paddlefish snagging. The person can only catch two fish every day. After they have caught the two fish, the snaggers must stop snagging for any species until the next day. If you have caught a legal-sized paddlefish, the person must keep it and it will be counted in their daily limit.
Length Limits
The minimum legal length of a paddlefish caught in the Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Table Rock Lake, and their tributaries is thirty-four inches. If smaller, the fish is to be taken off of the hook and be put back into the water unharmed as quickly as possible. The minimum legal length for the Osage River and in other Missouri waters is twenty-four inches.
MDC requests that you do not skin and clean the fish until you are on dry land. If you have any paddlefish eggs, you cannot sell them, transport them, and they cannot be bought. Any part of the paddlefish, including the eggs, may not be used as bait.
Notes:
- ^“MDC reminds snaggers that paddlefish season begins March 15.” Missouri Department of Conservation, 28 Feb. 2020, . (go back ↩)
