Missouri paddlefish snagging season opens

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri paddlefish snagging season opened March 15 on several waters in the state, including Lake of the Ozarks, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, and Table Rock Lake. The season runs until April 30, except on the Mississippi River, where it is open through May 15.

During the season, Missouri wildlife officials will be collecting information on paddlefish at reservoir boat ramps, interviewing anglers, and taking measurements of harvested paddlefish. A fishing permit is required for snagging and other allowed methods, unless exempt. The daily limit is two paddlefish, and the possession limit is four.

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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. All legal-sized paddlefish must be kept.

Cleaning paddlefish while on the water, dumping carcasses overboard, and returning to shore with fillets and/or eggs is illegal. Extracted paddlefish eggs may not be possessed while on waters of the state or adjacent banks and may not be transported. Paddlefish eggs may not be bought, sold, or offered for sale.