Based on predicted water releases over the coming weeks from Gavins Point Dam, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has decided to hold its paddlefish-snagging season. The season is Oct. 1-31.
The area open to paddlefish snagging is the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam, downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River. The Corps, however, is concerned about the stability of rocks along the Gavins Point Dam tailwater area. It anticipates it will prevent access to about 80 percent of the bank area normally open to snagging in the tailwaters.
A buoy line will be strung across the spillway area as the spillway gates will be open and discharging water. This will prevent boat snaggers from accessing this area. The discharge channel below the power plant is closed to snagging from the chalk point to the east end of the concrete wall on the south side of the discharge channel.
Snagging permits were drawn Aug. 29. The application period for paddlefish snagging permits started July 1, when the Missouri River flood was in full force. Game and Parks has received about half as many applications as in recent years. Of the 1,635 resident anglers who applied for permits, 1,520 will receive them, while 80 of the 210 nonresidents who applied will get permits.
About half of the paddlefish snagging that normally takes place in the tailwaters is from boats and about half is from the bank, according to Nebraska Game and Parks.
source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission