The American paddlefish features a unique rostrum that serves as a sensory organ, detecting electric signals from prey while occasional curves in the bill result from environmental factors, affecting efficiency.

Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at local FWP offices or authorized retailers. Don't miss out!

A paddlefish tagged in South Dakota in 2023 turned up in Kentucky during a June 2025 bowfishing trip—after an estimated 922-mile river journey. The surprising recovery has fisheries officials impressed, and it’s a reminder of just how far these prehistoric fish can roam.