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Paddlefish snagging season starts March 15 at Truman, Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks

sara karnes, springfield news-leader
·2 min read
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Snagging season is almost here, offering opportunities to catch prehistoric fish known for producing American caviar.

Paddlefish season runs March 15 to 30 for Lake of the Ozarks, Harry S. Truman Reservoir and Table Rock Lake. The season for the Mississippi River is March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.

"Paddlefish — named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts — are an ancient species that can grow to seven feet and weigh more than 100 pounds," according to Missouri Department of Conservation.

Here's what to remember when you go snagging for paddlefish

Justin Lukehart of Edmond, Oklahoma, holds the new world record paddlefish he snagged Sunday at Keystone Lake near Tulsa. Assisting is fishing guide Jeremiah Mefford. The fish was released after it was weighed.
Justin Lukehart of Edmond, Oklahoma, holds the new world record paddlefish he snagged Sunday at Keystone Lake near Tulsa. Assisting is fishing guide Jeremiah Mefford. The fish was released after it was weighed.

Unless exempt, you must have a fishing permit. The daily limit is two paddlefish, and the possession limit is four. No person shall continue to snag after taking a daily limit of two paddlefish, MDC stated via news release.

The statewide minimum length limit is 32 inches — measured from eye to fork of tail — with a minimum length limit of 34 inches for 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.

MDC offers tips for returning undersized fish:

  • Use landing nets, not gaffs, which can kill young fish;

  • Wet hands before handling fish and avoid excessive handling;

  • Never put fingers in the gills or eyes;

  • Remove hooks carefully and get undersized fish back into the water as quickly as possible.

Paddlefish eggs, or roe, are a popular alternative to caviar — and at times a target for poachers.

More:Extracted eggs from poached paddlefish worth est. $84,000 on black market, say MDC agents

MDC cautions snaggers to remember that extracted paddlefish eggs may not be possessed while on waters of the state or adjacent banks and may not be transported, according to MDC. Paddlefish eggs may not be bought, sold, or offered for sale.

Learn about paddlefish, snagging regulations, snagging reports and more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/paddlefish.

Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri paddlefish snagging season starts March 15