Yellow Tag Paddlefish Season Opened May 15

The 2024 paddlefish season on the Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Reservoir started Wednesday, May 15, which was a harvest day.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are harvest days for all areas valid for the yellow tag, while Sunday, Monday and Thursday are catchand- release days, and only at Intake Fishing Access Site near Glendive. All other areas are closed to all paddlefishing on catch-and-release days.

Anglers are encouraged to read the yellow tag paddlefish regulations for more details or for possible changes since their last outing.

No paddlefishing is allowed within the entire two-milelong Intake bypass channel. All fish other than paddlefish that are caught while snagging must be released immediately. Paddlefish caught at Intake during catch-and-release days must remain partially submerged in water at all times. No gaffs are allowed on catch-and-release days.

Mandatory harvest reporting is required within 48 hours via the fisheries check station at Intake, roving creel, phone hotline (1-877-FWPWILD or 406-444-0356), or online at myfwp.mt.gov.

Anglers are encouraged to submit biological data from harvested paddlefish (jaw section, for example) at the Intake fish cleaning station or one of three self-check boxes (Sidney Bridge, Powder River Deport, Tongue-Yellowstone Confluence), which will include hanging scales to weigh fish.

A free paddlefish cleaning service will be available at Intake FAS again in 2024 for the first five weeks of the season on harvest days.

Paddlefish season will end June 30 or earlier if the 1,000-fish harvest target is approached. If needed, FWP will announce a 24-hour closure of the harvest season.

Anglers can check the FWP Region 7 Facebook page for a weekly estimated harvest update produced at least every Wednesday or by calling the region 7 office in Miles City at 406-234-0900.