The special paddlefish season runs from March 1 through April 15, but interested anglers have only until Tuesday, Jan. 31 to purchase their paddlefish license for the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers. The license sells for $22 and requires the applicant to already possess a valid Iowa fishing license. “Iowa anglers rarely get the chance to harvest a fish of this size,” said Ryan Hupfeld, fisheries management biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “The average length of fish harvested in 2016 was about 33 inches, but paddlefish have the potential to reach lengths of over 50 inches and weigh over 50 pounds.” No special license is required for paddlefish in the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers. Licenses can be purchased by logging on to www.iowadnr.gove or by calling 800-367-1188.
