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American Paddlefish

American Paddlefish

The American paddlefish is one of Nebraska's most fascinating fish species and represents the only remaining paddlefish species worldwide.

These ancient fish are easily recognizable by their elongated, paddle-shaped rostrum (snout) that extends nearly one-third of their body length, lack of scales, and shark-like heterocercal tail.

Scientific Name: Polyodon spathula

Physical Characteristics:
  • These ancient fish are easily recognizable by their elongated, paddle-shaped rostrum (snout) that extends nearly one-third of their body length, lack of scales, and shark-like heterocercal tail.
  • These massive fish can exceed 100 pounds in Nebraska waters, with the current state record standing at 113 pounds 4 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Paddlefish prefer large rivers with deep water (greater than 6 meters), slow-moving currents (less than 5 cm/s), and turbid conditions.

Key Locations

  • Fish the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734.
  • In Nebraska, paddlefish inhabit the mainstem Missouri River and lower reaches of larger tributaries including the Platte River, with the greatest numbers concentrated in the lower unchannelized reach between Gavins Point Dam and Sioux City.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas immediately below the dams where fish concentrate, particularly in deeper pools and eddies created by current breaks.
  • Target the deeper sections of the tailwater where paddlefish cruise while filter feeding.

American Paddlefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for American Paddlefish in Nebraska?

For snagging season (October 1-31, legal hours 7 AM to 7 PM). For archery season (June 1-30, sunrise to sunset).

How do you catch American Paddlefish in Nebraska?

For snagging: The technique involves repeatedly casting and forcefully retrieving the line until you foul-hook a paddlefish. For archery season: bow and arrow fishing.

What do American Paddlefish eat?

They are filter feeders that swim with mouths open to strain microscopic plankton, mainly zooplankton including copepods and cladocerans, from the water using specialized gill rakers.

Where do American Paddlefish live in Nebraska?

Paddlefish prefer large rivers with deep water (greater than 6 meters), slow-moving currents (less than 5 cm/s), and turbid conditions.

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