Most fishing stories involve a delicate cast and a tiny fly, but paddlefishing is a different breed of adventure. It’s an underwater game of “capture the flag” using heavy gear and a fish that looks like it swam straight out of the Cretaceous period. For those interested in catching a living dinosaur but unsure where to start, the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is hosting a beginner workshop in Miles City.

This two-day crash course is designed to take the mystery out of the art of the snag.

The workshop is split into two phases to ensure participants are prepared before hitting the water:

• Day 1 (June 6, 3–5 p.m.): The “Brain” Phase. Instructors will cover paddlefish biology, river regulations, and the specific heavy-duty gear required to handle these massive fish.
• Day 2 (June 7, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.): The “Brawn” Phase. Participants will head out for some hands-on snagging practice.

To keep the event safe and legal, there are a few essential requirements for all attendees:

• Licensing: To participate in the snagging on Day 2, anglers must possess a Yellowstone River Paddlefish License (Yellow Tag) and a conservation license. Those who need assistance navigating the licensing process should call organizers before May 29.
• Catch & Release: During the class, all fishing is strictly catch and release.
• Equipment: Heavy-duty gear is provided for all participants, though individuals are welcome to bring their own.
• Eligibility: This workshop is open to adults aged 18 and older.

Registration Details

Spots for BOW workshops typically fill up quickly. Interested individuals should set a reminder for the registration launch:

Registration opens May 16 at 10 a.m. (MST) Sign up here: Official Registration Link

While the workshop provides the skills and the gear, the fish provide the challenge—successful snagging is never guaranteed, but the experience certainly is.