Paddlefish Updates

Video:                         Catch and Release May 8th
Video:                         Catch and Release May 1st
Video:                         Mud WrestlingPaddlefish
Video:                         Prehistoric Giants
Slide Show:                2012 Season Photos

May 12th              Report 

Catch and Release Today:
Snag-and-release is legal only in that area of the Missouri River starting on the north shore from the Confluence boat ramp then east (downstream) one-half mile, and that area of the Missouri River starting on the south shore from the Confluence with the Yellowstone River then east (downstream) one-half mile (both areas will have boundary signs).

Paddlefish snagging is allowed only from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CDT) during each day of the additional seven-day season. No gaffs may be used. 

Season Total:                   701

Today’s Total:                  28

Season’s Big Fish:              111 lbs

Down to the last two wraps of line. 95 lbs

101 lbs. 20 pounds of caviar!

Aaron with his first ever. 101 lbs

May 11th              Morning  Report        

The last day of tagging dawned bright and sunny.  You have until 1:00 pm today to snag and tag a paddlefish to keep.  This is followed by a 7 day catch and release period for those who have unused tags.  Yesterday numbers were down but so were fishermen.  37 were brought in by the 10:00 closing time bringing the season total to 670.  Although fish have come in around the 100 mark, the 111 pounder is still holding the season record.

May 11th              Afternoon  Report     

Many people are packing up to go home after another exciting paddlefish season.  Today’s total, after all was said and done, added up to 27, bringing the season total to just short of 700 paddlefish.  Chance’s 111 pounder held the season record.   Many first timers were rewarded for their efforts this season as well as veteran paddlefishermen, leaving most with anticipation of next year and great memories from this one. You can continue to catch paddlefish with your unused tag for the next 7 days. Even though you can’t take it home, you can still have lots of fun!

Season Total:                   697

Today’s Total:                  27

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

May 10th              Morning  Report        

Starting at 6:00 pm, big females started showing up in the river last night.  In the boat I hauled a 101 pounder that came from the pipeline and a 101.5 pounder off the sandbar across from the dock.  In between those two a 103 pound paddlefish was weighed in. Talk about a good night!  Game and Fish will be closing the season at 1:00 pm tomorrow (Friday, May 11^th).  Saturday starts the 7 day catch and release for anyone with an unused tag before season shuts down completely.  If you were thinking about coming up for the weekend you’d better make it today.  Great fish are being snagged and once again the weather is awesome.

May 10th              Afternoon  Report     

Slow is the word of the day thus far.  As of 3:00 this afternoon, only 14 fish were weighed in.  If last night was any indication, however, things could pick up significantly toward evening.  To get complete statistics on the day check back in the morning as we head into the last day of being able to tag one of these river giants.

Just a note of caution:  There is a wind advisory for the Confluence area until 9:00 pm tonight with gusts over 35 mph.  Be safe if you’re out on the water!

Season Total:                   670

Today’s Total:                  37

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

Bob is quite pleased with his first paddlefish ever.

This 101 pounder was taken at the pipeline.

Rita muscled in her first paddlefish.

Fred brings in the first fish of the day.

May 9th              Morning  Report           

We headed back to the Confluence early yesterday and drifted downstream from Sundheim to the Confluence.  Before we had gone very far we saw the first paddlefish caught. Tuesday was the last catch and release day before we start keeping them again this morning. As we drifted further we saw boats out netting sturgeon but not many fishermen.  In the afternoon we went downriver from the Confluence and I picked up 3 catch and release.  The river levels are down some and we saw plenty of fish above and below the Confluence.  The weather is going to be gorgeous today and we are probably in the last days of season so come on over. You don’t want to miss your chance at snagging one of these river giants!

May 9th              Afternoon  Report        

As of 3:30 this afternoon, only 28 fish have been weighed in with an 83 pounder being the largest.  This is the slowest day we’ve had but not because of lack of paddlefish in the river.  Fisherman numbers are down today as well, so there is plenty of room on the banks for more.  If you couldn’t make it today, the weather will be even warmer tomorrow.  You can catch a tan and one of these incredibly interesting fish. If you need to hook a ride on the river, look for me at the dock in the white Yar Craft and I’ll take you where you want to go, free of charge. Hope to see ya!

Season Total:                   633

Today’s Total:                  63

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

After only 2 casts this 34 pounder made it to shore.

Matt brings in his 2nd paddlefish ever!

Marc snagged this nice one at the pipeline.

May 8th              Report   

Season Total:                   570

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

May 7th              Report   

Season Total:                   570

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

One cast. One fish. 98 lbs.

Big Man Big Fish!

Stuby the short nosed Paddlefish

May 6th              Report   

Season Total:                   570

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

Today is the first of 3 days of catch and release.  Anyone with an unused paddlefish tag can catch and release today, Monday and Tuesday.  You’ve probably all heard the saying, “Fishing is better in the rain.”  Well, that was certainly the case yesterday.  The catch for Saturday was a staggering 195 paddlefish brought into the cleaning station. This brings our season total to 570 fish.  
Photos from earlier in the week.

3XXX the fun!

Jesse's second fish. 51 lbs

Sherman making up for no fish last season. 78lbs Go Nebraska!

May 5th       Morning Report       

Light fog surrounded the paddlefishermen this morning as they made their way to the banks, equipment and coolers in hand.  Fishing officially starts at 8:00 am and goes until 10:00 pm.  After the count was finished last night the total for the day was 139, the best day yet.

May 5th       Afternoon Report    

Despite the pouring rain waterlogged fishermen carrying their muddied paddlefish showed up at the cleaning station in a steady stream.  Things got very exciting when Chance’s fish got hung up on the scale.  With a crowd gathered around, the weight was announced and it was a new season record, 111 pounds.  What a beauty!

Season Total:                   570

Today’s Total:                  195

Season’s Big Fish:           111 lbs

Girls day out,
Amanda and Phoebe.

Big Grizz with his first ever.

Rex showing us how it's done.

May 4th      Morning Report       

109  paddlefish were brought to the cleaning station yesterday bringing the total to 236.  Fishermen are lining the banks this morning despite some rain.  Updates will not be available through the weekend but check back Sunday afternoon or Facebook Greg Schoneck for photos of the action as it happens.

May 4th       Afternoon Report    

After a morning of rain the sun broke through and the weather was beautiful through the afternoon. Campers and trucks filled the parking lot and every other available space. Smiles were the common theme as fish numbers were up and people were filling their tags. We also had a new big fish for the season, a whopping 101 pounds! 

Season Total:                   375

Today’s Total:                  139

Season’s Big Fish:           101 lbs

Levi proudly shows off his 29 pounder.

Jessica's taking home her first paddlefish. Way to go!

Chris, Rory and Mike enjoying a good time and a successful catch.

May 3rd     Morning Report       

The morning is starting off with beautiful weather once again and lots of paddlefish rolling in the river. Come find me in the older white Yar Craft and I will shuttle you free of charge.  Check back later to see how the season is progressing.   

May 3rd     Afternoon Report

 By 3:00 today 51 paddlefish were caught bringing the season total to 178.  Big fish is still yesterday’s 97 pounder even though some heavyweights came in today. Don’t miss out on the action!  Grab your gear and head on over for the weekend.  It’s going to be a great time.

Season Total:                   236

Today’s Total:                  109

Season’s Big Fish:            97 lbs

Pat lands a nice one.

Grizz gets his first paddlefish.

A hefty 78 pound female.

Jesse snags into a great 51 pounder.

Bryce and Bryce each score one.

May 2nd     Morning Report       

Season opened this morning with calm winds and warm temperatures.  23 fish were brought in with a 97 pounder being the largest.  There is plenty of shore line this year and plenty of fish to go around. The cleaning station is up and running, the weather is gorgeous, so come on over to the Confluence and join in the fun. 

May 2nd     Afternoon Report

 As of about 2:00 this afternoon 53 fish had made it to the cleaning station, with more coming in as the day progressed.  To get a complete update on Wednesday’s stats check back in the morning.  Happy Paddlefishing!

Season Total:                   127

Today’s Total:                  127

Season’s Big Fish:            97 lbs

Fish head'n for the cleaning station.

Biologist collecting stats.

An 81 pound beauty.

Greg Schoneck for ND Live

May 1^st            Morning Report       

New rule changes this year result in opening day being a catch and release day. 2012 catch and release days are SUNDAY~MONDAY~TUESDAY. You must possess an unlocked tag and all fish must be returned to the water immediately. I suspect there will be plenty of snaggers warming up for Wednesday opener for snag and keep at 8am.

May 1^st            Afternoon Report

Check back each afternoon for updates to the stats. You can also listen in on KEYZ Country am 660 for live from the confluence reports 5 days a week.

Levi's first catch and release fish of the season.

Greg gets his first catch and release paddlefish.

April 28^th   Morning Report       

Water is down and it looks to be a fast season. There is a huge sandbar just off the ramp that I suspect will be lined with snaggers come Tuesday. The trick will be crossing the 20 yards of open water. I will be back again with an older Yar Craft. Rides are complements of North Star Caviar. Free is good so look for me at the ramp. Shoreline to the east has plenty of casting room this season due to low water.

April 28^th   Afternoon Report

Dakota Skulls will be at the Confluence this season offering taxidermy services to those who would like to display their trophy. Paddlefish skulls are beautifully unique. Stop by to see the display. If you can’t make it check us out online www.dakotaskulls.com

Boat Ramp looking across the Missouri to the south.

The shoreline to the east will have good access and plenty of room to cast. Get your spot early.

This huge sandbar is just 20 yards off the ramp. Their will be shuttle services again this season complements of North Star Caviar.