Other names: American paddlefish , Mississippi paddlefish, Spoon-billed cat, Spoonbill
The Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is a unique freshwater fish native to North America, primarily found in the Mississippi River Basin. Recognizable by its long, paddle-shaped snout, this ancient species is a filter feeder, primarily consuming zooplankton. Paddlefish are highly valued for their roe, which is used to make caviar. Due to habitat loss and overfishing, they are considered a vulnerable species, with conservation efforts in place to protect their populations.
Other names
American paddlefish , Mississippi paddlefish, Spoon-billed cat, Spoonbill
Length
~150" (max 220)
Weight
~27" (max 90)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
15-24° F
Berkley PowerBait
Bread
Clams
Crabs
Minnows
Mullet
Mussels
Rooster Tail Spinner
Striper jigAlways open
2
No
No
Paddlefish inhabit large, slow-moving rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with muddy bottoms
They prefer waters with high plankton availability, which they filter feed on using their gill rakers
These fish are often found near the surface or midwater, where plankton is abundant
Paddlefish are migratory, often moving upstream in search of food or suitable spawning grounds
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures rise, usually in fast-flowing waters over gravel or sand
Females release eggs over clean substrate, where they adhere and develop
After hatching, larvae drift downstream to calmer waters where they grow and mature
Paddlefish are slow-growing and long-lived, with mature individuals returning to spawn after several years, making them susceptible to overfishing
