Paddlefish
Paddlefish are one of the largest freshwater fish in North America
Region
Midwest, South, Northeast
Catch ease
Hard
Habitat
Lake, River, Stream
How to identify a Paddlefish
Because paddlefish are strictly filter feeders, they are only caught by snagging, using heavily weighted treble hooks. Any angler looking to target this species should first check with their State's regulations as paddlefish are a protected species in many states. Check these paddlefish fishing tips to make it your next catch. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
Where to catch Paddlefish
The paddlefish is found throughout the Mississippi River drainage and other Gulf of Mexico drainages from Texas to Alabama. This species remains a common occurrence in large rivers and some impoundments of Middle America. They can typically be found in the slow moving waters of the Mississippi, Yellowstone, Ohio and Arkansas Rivers among others. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:
| Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks |
| Inlets and Outlets |
| Rock and Boulder Pockets |
| Dams and Falls |
| Freshwater Lakes and Ponds |
| Rivers and Streams |
| Rocks |
| Drop-Offs |
How to catch Paddlefish
Because paddlefish are strictly filter feeders, they are only caught by snagging, using heavily weighted treble hooks. Any angler looking to target this species should first check with their State's regulations as paddlefish are a protected species in many states. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
Paddlefish lures, tackle & bait
The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: