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man holding paddlefish

Fishing Paddlefish Regulations

Montana Paddelfish Reguations


Montana has four unique paddlefish seasons, and anglers may select only one area to fish for paddlefish: 

  • Upper Missouri River from Fort Peck Dam upstream to Fort Benton (White Harvest Tag)

  • Yellowstone River 1) upstream edge of Tongue River confluence to Sullivan Creek confluence (1/2 mile downstream of Calypso Bridge), and 2) Glendive Black Bridge to North Dakota border (Yellow Harvest Tag) 

  • Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam to North Dakota border (Green Harvest Tag) 

  • Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery-only season  (Blue Harvest Tag) 
     


Mandatory Reporting

Any paddlefish harvested anywhere in Montana MUST be reported to FWP.

Reporting requirements differ among the four tag colors. Reference the Paddlefish Harvest Reporting section under each tag color for specific instructions on how to report a harvested paddlefish.

*For all tag areas (white, blue, yellow, green), anglers may transport an unreported paddlefish harvest due to lack of cell phone communication services, once in communication services a person shall have 48 hours to report the paddlefish harvest.

  • Harvest Reporting Line:  (877) FWP-WILD or 1 (406) 444-0356
  • Or online at myfwp.mt.gov