RIVER FISH · Open water & big rivers
Paddlefish
Polyodon spathula
An ancient plankton-feeding fish with a long paddle-shaped snout, built for large deep rivers and reservoirs.
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Meet the fish
- Habitat
- Slow-moving large deep freshwater rivers and reservoirs with access to suitable spawning reaches.
- On the menu
- Plankton filtered from the water as the fish swims with its mouth open.
- Size context
- USFWS reports paddlefish can reach about 7 feet and nearly 200 pounds, though most are smaller.
- Range & local context
- Native primarily to the Mississippi River basin and Gulf Slope drainages, with losses from portions of its historical range.
Living with the river
Water & habitat
High water, open migration routes and gravel spawning habitat are important, but river stage alone is not a spawning forecast.
Seasonal life
Adults may migrate hundreds of miles before spawning. Spawning often coincides with high spring water over clean gravel bars.
Before you go
Paddlefish harvest and snagging rules are highly state-specific, and some populations are restoration priorities. Check current regulations before targeting them.
Use the linked agencies and the relevant river guide for current regulations, closures and consumption advisories. A species profile is not a fishing license or a statement that harvest is allowed.
Editorial review: . Regional size examples are labeled; maximum lengths are not typical sizes.
More river fish
Keep exploring species connected to the same river-guide network.