Paddlefish

Paddlefish are one of the largest freshwater fish in North America.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A PADDLEFISH

Because paddlefish are strictly filter feeders, they are only caught by snagging, using heavily weighted treble hooks. Any angler looking to target this species should first check with their State's regulations as paddlefish are a protected species in many states. Check these PADDLEFISH FISHING TIPS to make it your next catch. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

WHERE TO CATCH PADDLEFISH

The paddlefish is found throughout the Mississippi River drainage and other Gulf of Mexico drainages from Texas to Alabama. This species remains a common occurrence in large rivers and some impoundments of Middle America. They can typically be found in the slow moving waters of the Mississippi, Yellowstone, Ohio and Arkansas Rivers among others. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

CLIFFS AND STEEP SHORE BANKS          INLETS AND OUTLETS

ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS                DAMS AND FALLS

FRESHWATER LAKES AND PONDS            RIVERS AND STREAMS

ROCKS                                                            DROP-OFFS

 

HOW TO CATCH PADDLEFISH

Because paddlefish are strictly filter feeders, they are only caught by snagging, using heavily weighted treble hooks. Any angler looking to target this species should first check with their State's regulations as paddlefish are a protected species in many states. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

SNAGGING

PADDLEFISH LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

SNAG HOOKS