Statewide, Iowa (RI) – The Missouri and Big Sioux River paddlefish licenses and tags are now on sale until December 31st for the season that opens February 1st.
John Lorenzen is the DNR’s fisheries biologist for Southwest Iowa.
Lorenzen says you can buy up to two tags until December 31st, and an additional tag if there are some available from January 1st to January 7th. He says most of the tags are usually scooped up.
The prehistoric looking fish are snagged with a hook in a method that’s different from catching most fish.
Lorenzen says it’s likely many of the licenses are sold to people who live close to the two waterways, including the non resident licenses.
Lorenzen adds most people have experience paddle fishing, or if they are new will find someone who does.
A resident license sells for $25.50, and a nonresident license is $49. You must also have a valid Iowa fishing license to get a paddlefish license.
KIWA Staff Photo
