Anglers in several mid-western states will be allowed to fish for paddlefish during the 2013 spring season. In most areas, paddlefishing is done by snagging fish as they move upriver during spawning runs. Depending on local regulations, anglers may harvest fish or engage in catch and release fishing only.
North Dakota’s paddlefish snagging season began May 1 and is scheduled to continue through the end of the month. However, depending on the overall harvest, an early in-season closure may occur with a 36-hour notice issued by the state’s Game and Fish Department.
In Kansas, paddlefish permit-holders can snag paddlefish along designated areas on the Neosho and Marais des Cygnes Rivers from March. 15 thru May 15.
Paddlefish may be taken inside Chetopa and Burlington city parks on the Neosho River, on the Neosho River at Iola downstream from the dam to the city limits, on the Marais des Cygnes River below Osawatomie Dam downstream to a posted boundary, and on the Marais des Cygnes River on the upstream boundary of Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area downstream to the Kansas-Missouri border.
During the spring paddlefish season, nonsport fish (carp, drum, grass carp, threadfin and gizzard shad, goldfish, gar, suckers including carpsucker and buffalo, goldeye, and bowfin) may also be snagged in waters posted open to paddlefish snagging. For Kansas fishing regulations information, visit www.ksoutdoors.com