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The paddlefish is a plankton eater that resembles prehistoric fishes. Common only in two Kansas rivers – the Marais des Cygnes and the Neosho – the paddlefish is taken by fishermen during the spring spawning runs, and then only during the special snagging season. Stocking paddlefish in Oklahoma’s Kaw Reservoir and in Tuttle Creek Reservoir may bring the paddle-snouted fish back to some of its former range. The largest paddlefish on modern record weighed 144 pounds and measured 54 1/4"—and was caught in Kansas!
Paddlefish Season
March 15 through May 15 each year.
See Fishing Regulations for additional restrictions including creel limits and where paddlefish can be caught.