American Paddlefish

Body Type & Identification: One of the most prehistoric-looking fish in North America — gray to blue-black with a distinctive elongated, paddle-like rostrum (snout) comprising one-third of the body length. The rostrum is covered in electroreceptors for detecting plankton. A filter feeder that strains zooplankton from the water with gill rakers — the largest filter-feeding fish in North America. Can exceed 100 lbs and 7 feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–72°F. Found in large, slow-moving rivers with sandy and gravel bottom. Migrates upstream to spawn in spring over gravel shoals. A long-lived species — individuals exceed 30 years. Threatened by overharvest (for caviar) and habitat loss.

Habitat: Large rivers and their backwaters throughout the Mississippi drainage — the Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, and their major tributaries. Also found in some large reservoirs. Historically widespread; now less common due to commercial overharvest for eggs (paddlefish caviar commands very high prices). Slowly recovering in some river systems.

Best Lures: Cannot be caught on traditional lures — a filter feeder. Snagging (where legal) is the primary sport fishing method.

Best Baits: Cannot be caught on bait — a zooplankton filter feeder. Snagging with large treble hooks drifted near the bottom is the traditional sport fishing method in states where it is legal (Oklahoma, Missouri, Montana). Check regulations carefully — many states prohibit or restrict Paddlefish harvest. Tags required in most states where legal snagging is permitted.

Top 5 Destinations: Spoonbill Creek OK (snagging), Lake of the Ozarks/Osage River MO, Missouri River MT (snagging), Grand Lake OK, Fort Gibson Lake OK.