UTERPaddlefish fishing in North Dakota freshwater
In North Dakota freshwater, paddlefish are on May, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Confluence of the Yellowstone and the Missouri — season opens May 1 and can close early on the harvest cap.
Not in North Dakota freshwater this month.
Paddlefish in North Dakota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MaySpawningConfluence of the Yellowstone and the Missouri — season opens May 1 and can close early on the harvest cap.
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish paddlefish near Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe
Devils Lake's perch, walleye and pike, the Missouri River reservoirs, paddlefish at the confluence, and the Red River's trophy channel cats.
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 North Dakota freshwater?
Peak season is May, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Paddlefish are in North Dakota freshwater May. May: Confluence of the Yellowstone and the Missouri — season opens May 1 and can close early on the harvest cap.
Where do paddlefish hold in North Dakota freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir — around Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Red River of the North.
What is the best bait for paddlefish in North Dakota 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 North Dakota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and change — read the current rule at https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/licensing.
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All about paddlefish · North Dakota fresh water, the whole year