Pictured is Cory Watters and 9-year-old son, Stetson. Photo credit: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Great news! You won’t have to leave the country (or the state) to get an unforgettable fishing experience. For those of you who love the thrill of an unusual catch, fishing for a paddlefish might be the next adventure you’ll want to make time for.
What makes the paddlefish species unique?
It’s not just their aesthetic that makes these creatures look like they came from the dinosaur age, these animals are truly prehistoric! They have evolved only slightly since the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago.
Paddlefish can live for up to 50 years and are commonly found to weigh 40-60 pounds. The largest paddlefish ever caught weighed a whopping 198 lbs.
The fish have a long, beak-like nose and soft gray skin, void of scales. They are often described as shark-like in shape—and size!
How do I catch a paddlefish?
In addition to a free paddlefish permit (just select “Get a Paddlefish Permit” when you get your license online), you’ll need a little more than your typical rod and reel for this catch. According to Oklahoma’s Department of Wildlife, you need “a stout surf rod, heavy test line, and a large, barbless treble hook” if you plan on bringing a paddlefish out of the water.
Unlike many fish, paddlefish won’t come to your bait. They must be “snagged” with a giant, three-pronged hook. Instead of throwing in your line and waiting for something to bite, you’ll have to drag your hook behind a moving boat. Once you have them snagged, they will likely put up a strong fight. If you like excitement, you will not be disappointed!
The paddlefish season runs year-round in Oklahoma, but your best opportunity for catching one falls during the months of March and April when the fish spawn.
Where can I go to find paddlefish?
Paddlefish can be found in many different lakes and river systems in Oklahoma, but are most commonly caught in Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, and Fort Gibson Lake.
Can I hire a guide?
Absolutely! It’s common for people to hire a licensed fishing guide in order to optimize their experience. Find a list of fishing guides in Oklahoma here.
When I catch a paddlefish, should I keep it or release it?
It’s up to you to decide if you want to keep or release your big catch! If you decide to keep the fish, you must tag it with your paddlefish permit number as soon as you are able. Often, anglers use duct tape wrapped around the nose of the fish and a permanent marker to create the label.
You may consider bringing the fish to the Paddlefish Research Center in Miami, Oklahoma. You can either drop off your fish or call the center to have someone meet you for pickup. The fish must be alive to be processed by the center, but they will clean your fish for free as long as it was legally caught. Talk about a great way to get your fish fillets and support biological research!
Have you experienced the glory of a paddlefish catch? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below!
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