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MARYVILLE

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News Brief

March 11, 2024 |  By: Tanner DeHaven

Paddlefish season begins March 15th

Paddlefish

One prehistoric fish that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs will be open to Missouri anglers soon.

The spring paddlefish season in the show me state will open on March 15 and run through April 30 for waterbodies such as Lake of the Ozarks, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, and Table Rock Lake – along with most other waters in the state. However the season for the Mississippi River is March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of September 15 through December 15. A fishing permit is required for snagging and other allowed methods, unless exempt. Additionally, the daily limit for paddlefish is two and the possession limit is four.

The statewide minimum length limit is 32 inches -- measured from the eye to the fork of the tail – with a minimum length limit of 34 inches for the Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, and their tributaries. All paddlefish under the legal minimum length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught.

To learn more about paddlefish, snagging regulations, snagging reports and more, you can visit MDC.MO.gov/fishing/species/paddlefish.