Paddlefish/Sturgeon?

[Aquaman01]

Hi.
I'm real curious about these species, especially in the upper Mississippi. I don't intend to angle for them, but I'm curious if anyone has seen/caught/encountered any of these around these parts.

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Aquaman
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Peace and Fishes

[Bobb-o]

only time i have seen these fish is in the aquarium at the state fair every year. They truly are amazing looking fish.

[vern]

I don't think you'll find those species above the Ford Dam/Pool 2, but I've seen both the lake sturgeon & the much smaller shovelnose caught below the dam at Red Wing. I have some friends who've caught some shovelnose on the MN River while catfishing. I haven't caught one yet myself, but I think they are fairly common. I'd like to add those to my species list. A few paddlefish are caught on the Mississippi every year too. Most are likely snagged. I've done some lake sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River & it's a blast! Very cool fish. If you're interested in catching them, plan a trip to the Rainy. The season is open & they should be biting pretty good right now. I'd like to give them a try on the St. Croix this fall when they open that short season. Vern

[Crawlerman]

It's illegal to fish for paddlefish in Minnesota, as they are an endangered species. Any paddlefish accidently caught MUST be released to the water immediately.

Sturgeon is almost the same way; the season is only open for like a month, with a seasonal limit of one, and that is only on certian places on the St. Croix and other border waters.

From what I understand in states that do allow "fishing" for paddlefish, it's this: Paddlefish strain plankton much like whales. Thus the only way to catch them is by snagging. There are a few states who allow this. I don't likely agree with it as they are atleast a Threatened species, if not endangered depeneding on where in the US you are talking about. Plus the fact there is no real legitimate way to catch them, other than snagging.