Paddlefish

If you catch a banded paddlefish: You can keep the band, but call (918) 299-2334 with the date caught, number on the band, and whether or not the fish was kept. You can also email the information to Brent Gordon or Micki O'Neal regarding tag information.

Why? This would help us tremendously with the estimate and also to give us an idea of the percentage of the population that is being harvested annually. Click here to learn more about tagged paddlefish and the conservation effort.

snagging from the bankPaddlefish are one of the most unique fish in Oklahoma. They can live up to 30-35 years ranging throughout the U.S., from Montana to Louisiana. In Oklahoma, they are found mainly in the Grand, Neosho and Arkansas River systems.

The Wildlife Department's paddlefish management program involves an extensive process of netting, weighing, measuring and marking paddlefish with metal tags on the front of the jaw.

In 1992 fisheries biologists began an effort to re-introduce paddlefish to some of the waters they once roamed. Dams on several rivers had blocked the annual movements of paddlefish in several river systems. Hatchery professionals raised young paddlefish at fish hatcheries in Byron and Tishomingo and then released them in Kaw, Oologah, Texoma, and Hugo lakes.

During their early spring spawning run, this prehistoric fish can be caught by snagging with a stout surf rod, heavy test line, and a large barbless treble hook. Anglers are required to obtain a free paddlefish permit before fishing for paddlefish in Oklahoma. The permit can be obtained by going to the online license system and select the purchase a new license or the Get a Paddlefish Permit only options. Paddlefish not immediately released are considered kept and must be tagged immediately with the angler's paddlefish permit number. Additionally, the date and time of harvest must be recorded on the paddlefish permit.

 

Paddlefish