ND Live Paddlefish Reports

Greg Schoneck

Updated Daily Wednesday thru Sunday
Catch us every morning just before 7 am live on 660 KEYZ Country

Remember fishing is a learned sport. More you practice the better you get, so better get fishing!

Greg Schoneck for ND Live

Catch the action in full color ~ Paddlefish 2011

May 16 ~ 2011 Paddlefish season is Closed

Snag and release will continue for today and tomorrow.

Beginning Wednesday you may continue to snag and release for 7 days in a restricted area around the confluence.

On the north shore from the boat ramp east for ½ mile

On the south shore from the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone east for ½ mile

You must still posses your unused tag for this snag and release season

KEYZ Country Paddlefish Report

May 16

Fishing did pick up some later in the day Sunday.  The daily total came to 51 bringing the season total to 842.  The 99 pound female caught in the morning held the day’s record.  Monday and Tuesday are designated catch and release days.  There may be a shortened season. If ND Game and FIsh end the season it will be followed by a 7 day catch and release period for those who have unused tags, but will be limited to the following boundaries: ½ mile East of the Confluence boat ramp on the North shore and ½ mile East of the Confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri on the South shore. Check back often as we will keep you appraised of the situation and what the Game and Fish decides.

KEYZ Radio Report

May 15

Saturday started out as the slowest day of the year yielding only 10 fish by mid morning but ended with a very strong finish bringing the daily total to 70. A 99 pound female took biggest fish of the day.  Some were frustrated with the slow catch while others decided to enjoy the day no matter what, like the paddlefish beach babes. Alex persevered for 4 years before bringing in this awesome 80 pounder.  Blake, age 14, didn’t have to wait that long for his -first fish, first year. Coming all the way from Idaho, James snagged his first ever and Tyler also got a great 80. The weather is going to be gorgeous today and it is the last snag and tag day until Wednesday, unless they go crazy and we reach the fish limit first. It will be catch and release after that. To find out how close we get in numbers, check back later.

Noon Update:

Today is starting out like a blueprint of yesterday.  Only 5 fish brought in this morning. If it was like yesterday, however, things should start to rally later in the day. For other details, check out the stats board. I don't know if luck has anything to do with it, but Jed from Wahpeton might feel that way being one of the morning's five.With fishing being slow I actually got to cast a few times.  I did get a big fish on but the wrong species and then I got one just as unusual, but again the wrong species! Paddlefish were tough to get this morning but they are also plain tough.  This one must have had a run in with a prop and sports a nasty scar.  

We’ll keep you posted as to when the Game and Fish decides to call the season, but remember you will still have your chance at one during the catch and release week to follow if you have an unused tag.

May 14

Friday turned out some good catches.  I had a boat load a couple of times, including this one caught by Cole who is from Devils Lake.   63 paddlefish came into the cleaning station yesterday bringing the total to 702.  Big fish of the day came up 10 pounds short of the year’s record at 102. The water is dropping and the fish are running so expect some good numbers today.  Check back later to get the latest statistics and pictures.

Noon Update:

What we expect and what we get aren’t always the same.  Indications from yesterday pointed to good catches today. So far it has been slow but not for lack of those trying. 10 paddlefish were brought in this morning with big fish being 99 pounds.I have shuttled several people to spots today.  The first guy I took out caught one right away but several others are still waiting for their chance. Travis from MN was one of the elite. All predictions aside, you won’t bring one home unless you get out and enjoy the sun today and give it a try.

May 13

Fish numbers are beginning to pick back up as the rivers are leveling off and slightly dropping.  38 paddlefish were tagged Thursday, with the last and biggest fish of the day being Jim’s nice 84 pounder. Debris is considerably less and will make navigating the river much easier.  Snagging opened at 8:00 this morning and from the confluence boat ramp dock an elderly gentleman made his cast.  By 8:02 he had excitedly landed a very nice paddlefish. As you can see, there are lots of nice fish out there to be caught so come join us for the weekend and some paddlefish adventure.

Some photo highlights from yesterday:  Dan and Wayne both fill their tags 2 years in a row, Greg enjoys the day even more when he gets this one to shore, Tammy and Dave are  proudly smiling with this double.

Noon Update:

More people are lining the banks as the weekend approaches.  11 of them filled their tags this morning bringing the paddlefish total to 649. 2 big females were snagged, the biggest being an 83. The kids were shining this morning.  Collin made only 3 casts to bring in his first-ever and Ethan, age 11, caught his second.  Build some awesome memories with the kids and get in the action this weekend.

Listen in to hear the KEYZ Country 660 and Scenic Sports-Williston Paddlefish Report.

May 12

The water at the confluence continues to rise at an incredible rate.  In the past 2 ½ days the Yellowstone has come up 8 ft and the Missouri 2 ft.  This is reaching a historic level.  Be careful when you’re out, as there is much for debris coming down river.  Wednesday, 31 paddlefish came in including Jesse’s 29 and Levi’s 27 pound males.   As they would tell you, nothing beats the experience of landing one for your first time! It was also a great thrill for me because they are my kids. Way to go guys!  The largest fish of the day was an 82 pound female bringing our grand total to 600.  Only 400 fish to go, so get on out here, the weather is supposed to be great today.

Noon Update:

The Mighty Missouri continues to show off and sends a steady stream of trees down river making it a challenge to navigate.   7 paddlefish made it to the cleaning station this morning, mostly smaller males, with the big fish being a 42 pounder.  For more info listen in to the KEYZ Country 660 and Scenic Sports-Williston Paddlefish Update.

KFYR Morning Report
KFYR Noon Report

May 11

With widespread rain the last 2 days there has been an unbelievable rise in water at the confluence. The river is very muddy and full of floating logs and debris. The fishing dock was unusable last week because it was on dry ground but now you have to walk through a foot of water to get to it. No one is at the confluence this morning but I’ve been told when the logs are floating the paddlefish are running. So, come on out while the going is good and before the 1000 fish limit is reached. Check back later to find out how the day progresses.

Noon Update:

There is a steady stream of logs coming downriver with extremely high water.  Many spots that were fishable last week are under water now, but there is much more new territory to be found.  Travis didn’t find it a problem as he hooked into a beauty this morning making it his 5^th in five years. Numbers brought in were low, a total of 12 so far, but so was the number of fisherman that started out the day.

To listen to this mornings KEYZ Country 660 and Scenic Sports-Williston Paddlefish update, click here.

May 10      

I predict an early closure by the Game and Fish director. We get a 36 hour notice and go right into a 7 day catch and release period if you still have an unused tag. How early depends on how quickly we approach the 1000 fish quota. Today is snag and release. Wednesday we are back to snag and catch with a season total of 569.

Keep in mind if you have used your tag this special season is not for you. You must have a tag to snag.

Early closure will be announced by a special news release from the Game and Fish

If the harvest season closes early, snag-and-release will be allowed for up to seven days immediately following the harvest closure, but not to extend beyond May 31.

Special boundaries are set for the extended snag and release. North shore at the confluence from the ramp east for half a mile. South shore of the confluence and east one half mile. Remember no gaff on snag and release. The idea is to get these fish back safely so they can spawn.

Montana season opens this weekend so if you have yet to get your fill of outdoor wrestling head west.

Listen in to this mornings KEYZ Country 660 Report

May 9

Sunday brought in the biggest numbers of paddlefish to date.  89 fish were tagged, bringing the total to 569.  Big fish of the day was 95 pounds. Monday and Tuesday are catch and release so those numbers won’t change for the next few days. From the photo gallery:  Caleb casts only 3 times before snagging into this 75 pounder.  Mike from Idaho was mighty pleased with his 90 pound paddlefish.  The happy trio all got to take one home, and Wade almost got the day’s big fish with this 94.  If you were planning to come up next weekend you may want to change your plans and come Wednesday as the tag limit may be filled before then. A fishing tip to consider while you are preparing:  bring way more hooks and weights than you think you need, spool on fresh line and always set your drag before you make that first cast. Hope to see you Wednesday!

May 8

Weekend weather continues to be favorable for lining the banks of the Yellowstone and Missouri, paddlefish equipment in hand.  This is “big game” fishing at its best. People are coming from all over to try their hand, like Ryan from Canada who caught a 74 pound female yesterday. Today is the last day to tag paddlefish until Wednesday but you can still come for the big pursuit on Monday and Tuesday, only it is catch and release.  Fish totals for the week are at 480.  Saturday, May 7, 163 paddlefish were tagged with large fish of the day being a 100 pounder caught by one of our youth.  The 112 pounder caught Wednesday still holds the 2011 season record.  The water levels are continuing to drop slowly and fishing is excellent.  Happy Mother’s Day to any of you Mothers out there. Hope you catch a big one!

Noon Update:

It was a little slower morning with 25 being brought in, bringing the total to 505.For more info check the stats board. Jade (on right) gets big fish of the day by hauling in this nice 90 pounder. Hunter had his first experience snagging into one of these unique fish and Justin takes away all our excuses, as he brings one in while on crutches.  Mike and Nate made it over from Grand Forks and got a double. Remember to look for me in the red Lund if you need a ride to a good spot across the river.  You know how the saying goes “the fish are always bigger on the other side,” or something like that.

May 7

The daily total of paddlefish being caught continues to be between 60 and 70.  Big fish yesterday weighed in at 111 pounds and was 71 inches.  Our youth continue to shine as Bryce, age 12, battled it out with one to match his size, a whopping 89 pounder. Rain was off and on but didn’t slow down the fisherman.  Justin, from Hay Springs, NE is taking one home and Jason snagged into this paddlefish up the Yelowstone.  Most fish are being caught near the Sundheim pump house while the Confluence is very slow. Water temps this morning are at 50.  Water levels are dropping fast and the current is changing quickly. Tomorrow is the last day to be able to tag one until Wednesday.  Monday and Tuesday are catch and release days.

Noon Update:

The weather is beautiful today and lots of 80 plus fish are being caught, like this one Duane hooked into.  My “kid spot” just produced the big fish so far today, Josh from Velva, another first-timer, reeled her in and she was a 100 pounder. Going after the paddlefish isn’t very glamorous, however.  It is more akin to mud wrestling. As of 12:30 pm 68 fish have been weighed. 

May 6

With sunny skies and temps in the upper 60’s paddlefish enthusiasts lined the banks in hopes of a big one.  Steve had his hope fulfilled when he snagged into this 98 pound female filled with 18 pounds of caviar.  You can’t beat that for your first paddlefish!  60 fish were weighed in yesterday which included several 30 pound males and 65-80 pound females.  It may not be as sunny today but the fish are still there waiting to be snagged so come on out to the Confluence and join in the fun! Be sure to check back later for more info.

Noon Update:

43 fish were caught this morning including several big fish and smaller males.  Big fish of the morning was Marlin’s 88 pounder but a 97 topped that just after noon.  Water levels are dropping quickly so fish numbers are on the rise.  Current weather conditions at the confluence are rainy, windy, and thunderstorms look to be making an appearance throughout the afternoon, so come prepared. 

Afternoon report:

Lots more fish being brought in like this awesome snag by Bryce (age 13), his first one ever and a 89 pounder at that! For more info listen in to the KEYZ Country 660 and Scenic Sports-Williston Paddlefish Report.

May 5

At the Confluence 65 fish were caught yesterday with a season total of just over 100.  Big fish so far weighed in at 112 lbs and was caught at Sundheim Park.  Going after the paddlefish is more than just statistics, however. It is about sharing the experience and fun with friends and family as Tyler and Staci can attest to.  Grady and John got in on the action too. It is another beautiful day on the river and water temp is up to 50.1 degrees and with the sun, should continue to warm.  Check back later for more highlights and pictures as the day progresses.

Noon Update:

Some awesome paddlefish are being brought in.  Check out this boat load of fish Greg hauled back to the cleaning station.  Darrell cranked in an 80 pounder. The most fun story of the morning though is Austin (age 11) who weighs a mere 71 pounds himself, snagged into this 64 pound beauty!  Way to go Austin.  For today’s KEYZ Country 660 and Scenic Sports-Williston Paddlefish Update listen in.

KFYR Bismarck Reports:
Morning Report
Noon Report
Evening Report

May 4

Paddlefish snagging opened at 8 am today. Water temp is at 49.9 degrees.  I was able to get this picture of one of the first paddlefish caught, a 61 pounder.  Later at 10:30 Dawn caught a nice male. For more info listen in to the KEYZ Country 660 am and Scenic Sports-Williston daily paddlefish update.

Noon Update:  Confluence

Fish Caught:  13

Big Fish:  49 in girth, 69 in long, 112 lbs

When all is said and done pictures tell it the best: Rex and Amanda bring in a nice double.

Frank had his work cut out bringing in this 81 pounder.

May 2,3

Yesterday and today are catch and release only. I’m on my way to the confluence today for tomorrows fishing beginning at 8am. I will be running a shuttle service across the river for those fishermen who think the grass is greener on the other side.

Listen in on KEYZ Country 660 for daily reports around 7 am

May 1^st opener

The trip over to Williston was interrupted by 60 mph winds, freezing rain, and white out snow. You can read the survival story here: Rescued in Ray

With no power for western ND and snow on the ground fishermen still managed around 40 fish and 170 lbs of caviar was processed. Monday and Tuesday are snag and release days.