Fishing Charters in North Dakota
Browse fishing charters in North Dakota that can help you catch paddlefish.
Addicted Guide Service
Minot, North Dakota
Experience the best fishing guide services for walleye fishing with Addicted Guide Services. Book your trip now!
Reel Memories Guide Service And Lodging
Minnewaukan, North Dakota
guide service and lodging devils lake Reel memories
Fin Hunters Guide Service
Valley City, North Dakota
Big Johns Guide Service
Big John's Guide Service offers professional open water and ice fishing guiding in the Devils Lake region.
Prairie Pursuits Guide Service
Lake Country
Lake Country Guide Services guided fishing on Devils Lake North Dakota's premier fishing location.
SAKAKAWEA FISHING ADVENTURES
Join Sakakawea Fishing Adventures for expert-guided walleye and multispecies trips on Lake Sakakawea. Book your North Dakota fishing guide today!
Varilek's Guide Service
Explore Devils Lake A Fishermans Paradise Learn More Our Services Ice FishingFully guided, portable fishing options available! Learn More Open Water Fishing Fully guided, boat fishing opportunities Learn More
Bonham's Guide Service
Full time fishing guide service on Devils Lake North Dakota for Summer walleye and winter perch.
Dakota Daves Guide Service LLC
Dakota Dave's Guide Service LLC is a fishing guide service based in Minot, ND. We offer fishing guides on Lake Sakakawea and the upper Missouri River.
Fishing ND Guide Service
Jerad Newgard is an experienced North Dakota walleye fishing guide. He will offer his years of fishing knowledge and expertise to help you catch fish!
rudlands guide service
Contact Information for Rudland’s Guide Service and Fishing Lake Sakakawea.
Best Time to Catch Paddlefish
Peak season: May, June. Also good: April, July. Right now in February, activity is poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Paddlefish
Bismarck, North Dakota, provides a unique opportunity to target Paddlefish in the upper reaches of the Missouri River system. The area around the confluence of the Missouri and Heart Rivers is a known hotspot. Paddlefish snagging season usually opens in May, but is heavily regulated with quotas and specific dates, so acquire your license and understand the regulations thoroughly before heading out. Early season is best, as the fish are concentrated during their spawning migration. A practical tip for Bismarck is to focus on areas with current breaks and deep holes. Many anglers have success from shore, particularly below dams or at bridge crossings where paddlefish tend to congregate. Be prepared for a physically demanding day of casting heavy snagging gear. The paddlefish population here is carefully managed to ensure sustainability, so adhering to all regulations is essential for future fishing opportunities.
How to Catch Paddlefish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Paddlefish in Bismarck.
Paddlefish Fishing Regulations in North Dakota
Open Season
Snagging season is typically open in May, but is subject to closure based on harvest limits.
Daily Bag Limit
1 per season
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Paddlefish tag
Paddlefish snagging is allowed only in the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Once the harvest quota is met, the season is closed.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the North Dakota state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in North Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
When is paddlefish snagging season open near Bismarck, ND?
The snagging season for paddlefish near Bismarck is typically open in May. However, it's subject to closure based on harvest limits, so check with local authorities before heading out.
How many paddlefish can I keep per season near Bismarck?
The bag limit for paddlefish near Bismarck is 1 per season.
Do I need a special tag to fish for paddlefish in North Dakota?
Yes, you need a paddlefish tag to legally fish for paddlefish near Bismarck.
Are there size restrictions for paddlefish in North Dakota?
There is no size limit for paddlefish in North Dakota.
Other Species to Fish in Bismarck
Ready to Catch Paddlefish in Bismarck?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.