As the 2026 paddlefish season concludes in Montana, MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks will survey selected anglers through phone calls and online surveys. The feedback, whether from successful trips or blank years, is essential for managing paddlefish populations. Non-responders will be contacted multiple times for their input.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks introduces new tagging options for paddlefish, requiring immediate validation upon harvest. Anglers must comply with specific reporting guidelines and can use e-tags or paper tags for their catch.

It’s a rare day when a fishing story out of Missouri makes waves all the way up in Big Sky […]

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.