Paddlefishing in Montana: Chasing the River Giants

When it comes to unique fishing opportunities, Montana is best known for its pristine trout streams. But tucked away in the state’s eastern waters lies an entirely different experience: paddlefishing. These prehistoric river giants draw anglers each spring to the Missouri River system, where a single hookup can feel like tying into a freight train. We thought this would be a great way to test the lifting and fighting power of the ALLSURF right in our own back yard. 

The Fish of 100 Million Years

The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is often called a “living fossil.” With a long, paddle-shaped rostrum and smooth, shark-like skin, they look like something from another age - because they are. Paddlefish have roamed North America’s rivers for more than 100 million years, feeding mostly on plankton by filtering water through their gill rakers.

Montana’s paddlefish can grow to extraordinary sizes, commonly topping 50 pounds and sometimes exceeding 100. They are true river giants, and for many anglers, catching one is the fish of a lifetime.

Where to Find Them

In Montana, paddlefishing centers on the Missouri River and its major reservoirs—particularly Fort Peck Reservoir, Lake Sakakawea’s upstream reaches, and the Yellowstone River near Glendive. Each spring, as water temperatures rise and flows increase, paddlefish make spawning runs up these systems, congregating below dams and in certain predictable river stretches.

The Season and Regulations

Montana’s paddlefish season is tightly regulated to ensure sustainability. The core season generally runs from May through June, but exact dates, catch-and-release periods, and harvest tags vary by river section. For example:

• Yellowstone River (downstream of the Highway 200 bridge near Sidney): A lottery system regulates harvest. Anglers must apply for and draw a tag in advance.

• Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam and upstream of Fort Peck Reservoir: Generally open to snag-and-release fishing, with some harvest opportunities by tag.

Because rules differ depending on location, every angler should check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) regulations before heading out.

 

The Technique: Snagging, Not Casting

Unlike trout fishing, you won’t be matching hatches or drifting nymphs. Paddlefish are plankton feeders, so traditional lures or bait don’t work. Instead, anglers use stout rods spooled with heavy line and large treble hooks weighted with lead. The method is simple, though exhausting: cast, let the rig sink, then sweep the rod in powerful jerks to snag a passing fish.

Hookups are rare compared to the number of casts made, but when one connects, it’s unforgettable. A 70-pound paddlefish tearing downstream will test your tackle, your stamina, and your grip.

 

A Community Tradition

Paddlefishing in Montana isn’t just about the fish—it’s about the community. On the Yellowstone River near Glendive, the season is a local event, with anglers lining the banks, swapping stories, and sharing the excitement of each catch. There’s also a unique partnership with the Glendive Medical Center Foundation, where many harvested fish are donated. The paddlefish’s roe is processed into caviar, which is sold to raise funds for regional healthcare services. It’s a win-win: conservation, community, and tradition all tied together.

 

The Experience of a Lifetime

For many anglers, paddlefishing in Montana is less about numbers and more about the chance to connect with a living relic. Whether you land a fish or not, the act of standing in the wide Missouri or Yellowstone, casting heavy gear into the current while surrounded by fellow anglers, is unforgettable.

From prehistoric biology to modern conservation, paddlefishing offers a glimpse into a different side of Montana fishing—a world away from trout streams, but every bit as iconic.

The ALLSURF proved up to the task of battling a river monster hooked in a very unconventional way. Another testament to the versatility of the ultimate travel rod.