The paddlefish snagging season on the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers opens February 1 and runs through April 30, with fishing allowed from sunrise to sunset.
Anglers planning to target paddlefish must carry a valid Iowa fishing license, a special paddlefish license, and unused transportation tag(s) while fishing.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking anglers to track their fishing effort and catch throughout the season. When the season concludes, all participants are required to complete an electronic survey, even if no fish were harvested. The collected data helps biologists evaluate how the season went and determine whether regulation changes may be needed in the future.
Anyone who catches a jaw-tagged paddlefish—identified by a numbered band in the lower jaw—should call the phone number listed on the tag. Anglers will be asked to report the tag number, date and location of capture, and the fish’s eye-to-fork length. These tags are used by Iowa DNR and partnering state agencies to monitor paddlefish populations, movement, and growth.
Anglers are also advised that low river levels may impact boat ramp access along the Missouri River this season.
Additional details, including full regulations for Iowa’s special paddlefish season, are available on the DNR website.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Paddlefish Season Information
https://www.iowadnr.gov/paddlefish
