MDC seeks public comments on proposed paddlefish regulation changes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking public comments on potential regulation changes for paddlefish transportation out of the state and for identifying the “taker” for when fish are taken by snagging or grabbing. The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to the proposed regulation changes from MDC during its Sept. 11 open meeting in Jefferson City.

The proposed amendments clarify that when fish are taken by snagging or grabbing methods, the legal taker is the individual who first hooks the fish, and the fish counts toward that person's daily limit. 

The proposals also include changes to paddlefish regulations aimed at addressing harvest concerns and illegal commercialization. The proposed changes require paddlefish to be gutted, and all internal organs (including eggs) removed before being transported out of Missouri.

MDC is seeking public comments on the two proposed regulation changes from Oct. 16 through Nov 14 at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes.

The Commission will review public comments received and then give a final decision on the proposed changes during its Dec. 11 meeting. If given final approval, the regulation changes will become effective Feb. 28, 2027.         

Paddlefish are unique members of Missouri’s sportfish and commercial fisheries and provide special recreational opportunities in the state. Named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts, these fish can grow to seven feet and weigh more than 100 pounds. Paddlefish swim slowly with their mouths wide open, collecting tiny crustaceans and insects in their elaborate, closely-set gill rakers. The paddle-shaped snout functions as an electrosensory organ that allows the fish to sense plankton as it swims through water. 

Because the giant fish eat crustaceans and insects, they do not bite on traditional fishing hooks. They are usually caught through the practice of snagging, where anglers drag large, triple-sided hooks through the water to “snag” a fish in the body with the hooks.

As Missouri’s official state aquatic animal, this giant, prehistoric fish has ancestors that swam during the time of dinosaurs. Today, thousands of snaggers look forward to encountering this ancient sport fish during Missouri’s annual spring paddlefish season in March and April.

Learn more about paddlefish and related fishing regulations from MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/paddlefish.