Paddlefish Snagging Season

2023 Season Information

Update: The 2023 paddlefish season has closed.

Snagging of paddlefish is legal May 1 through May 21 for those with a valid paddlefish tag.

The open area includes the Yellowstone River in North Dakota, and the Missouri River west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border, excluding that portion from the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) downstream to the upper end of the Lewis and Clark WMA (river mile 1,565). Paddlefish snagging is legal only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central Time) during each day of the paddlefish snagging season. Select days are set aside for harvest and release only.

A paddlefish snagger must obtain and have in their possession a valid paddlefish tag, in addition to a valid fishing license that may be required. Only one tag per snagger will be issued and the tag is not transferable to another individual. Any paddlefish tag locked shut prior to attachment, altered or modified shall be voided and will not be replaced.

Licenses may be purchased online or at a license vendor.

Note: (Updated 05/18/2023) Since the 2023 season will not close early, there will be no additional seven-day snag-and-release season.

Snagging Area Maps (updated prior to each season)

The open area includes the Yellowstone River in North Dakota, and the Missouri River west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border, excluding that portion from the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) downstream to the upper end of the Lewis and Clark WMA (river mile 1,565). Paddlefish snagging is legal only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central Time) during each day of the paddlefish snagging season.

• Interactive Map
• Printable Map (pdf)

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Species Information

• Species Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tagging Paddlefish