UTERPaddlefish fishing in Missouri freshwater
In Missouri freshwater, paddlefish peak March–April and are around March–April and September–November, spawning in March–April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Snagging season opens March 15 — Lake of the Ozarks, Truman and Table Rock tributaries.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Paddlefish in Missouri freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchSpawningSnagging season opens March 15 — Lake of the Ozarks, Truman and Table Rock tributaries.
- AprilSpawningThe run up the Osage and the James.
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberAroundFall season on the Mississippi.
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish paddlefish near Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake
Ozark highland reservoirs, spring-fed trout parks, clear smallmouth rivers, Truman's flooded timber, and the paddlefish runs and big-river catfish.
What to use for paddlefish
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–75°F water, best at 50–65°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch paddlefish in Missouri freshwater?
Peak season is March–April, with fish spawning in March–April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Paddlefish are in Missouri freshwater March–April and September–November. March: Snagging season opens March 15 — Lake of the Ozarks, Truman and Table Rock tributaries.
Where do paddlefish hold in Missouri freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir — around Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Bull Shoals, Current River, Bennett Spring.
What is the best bait for paddlefish in Missouri freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for paddlefish in Missouri freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and change — read the current rule at https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://mdc.mo.gov/permits.
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All about paddlefish · Missouri fresh water, the whole year