Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Montana Fishery
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) are native to the Missouri River in Montana and classified as a species of special concern. Although populations remain stable, populations are intensively managed to ensure that recreational harvest is sustainable. Population monitoring has been ongoing since the 1990s and the data collected is used to generate population estimates, age structure of the spawning stock, age and sex distribution of harvest, angler catch rates, harvest details, fish movement, habitat use, spawning, and recruitment dynamics. Exploitation rates for this population have been shown to be low; however, the snag and release component of this fishery continues to grow in popularity. Studies indicate that mortality associated with the snag and release event is low under relatively controlled field conditions. However, due to growing interest in snag and release and the relative uncontrolled nature of this activity in the upper Missouri River system, additional investigation is necessary to address the question of mortality associated with snag and release. As the popularity of the fishery increases the use of boats increases. Thus, a subcomponent of this study will be to quantify incidence and mortality associated with boat propeller strikes on paddlefish. Results will be used to guide paddlefish management and provide important information relative to regulation and or season structure changes. Additionally, information collected will be used to educate anglers on proper handling and care of paddlefish to minimize mortality on snagged and released paddlefish.