The 2026 paddlefish snagging season on the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers will open February 1 and continue through April 30 (sunrise to sunset), according to Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Anglers fishing for paddlefish must have a valid Iowa fishing license, along with a special paddlefish license and unused transportation tag(s).
Iowa DNR is asking anglers to track of effort and catches throughout the paddlefish season. Anglers are urged to complete the electronic survey when the season ends whether harvested were fish or not.
The information collected will help Iowa DNR evaluate the success of the season and determine what potential changes or modifications may be needed.
Anglers that catch a jaw-tagged fish (numbered band in the lower jaw), should call the phone number on the tag to report the tag number, date of capture, capture location and eye-to-fork length.
Iowa DNR and other state fisheries agencies tag paddlefish to better understand and manage populations. Tagging provides valuable information to estimate population size, fish movement and growth.
Iowa DNR is advising anglers that low river levels might affect boat ramps along the Missouri River.
For more information about Iowa’s special paddlefish season regulations, visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/paddlefish.
source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
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