The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced the state’s 2025 paddlefish snagging season closed May 9 to any additional harvest to provide long-term protection of the paddlefish population.

An additional snag-and-release extended season began May 10 and runs through May 16. Paddlefish snaggers with unused tags can continue snagging during the additional snag-and-release season but must release all fish immediately. If a snagger has already used their tag on a harvested paddlefish, they are not allowed to participate in the additional snag-and-release period.

Snag-and-release will be open in that area of the Missouri River starting on the north shore from the Confluence boat ramp, then east (downstream) to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1577), and on the south shore from the confluence with the Yellowstone River, then east (downstream) to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1577).

Paddlefish snagging during the extended season is allowed from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. The use or possession of a gaff on snag-and-release days is illegal.