Paddlefish

PURPOSE: This rule establishes seasons, methods, and limits for taking paddlefish. (1) Daily Limit: Two (2). (2) Methods: Pole and line, snagging, grabbing, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, or jug line. (3) Seasons: March 15 through April 30, except on the Mississippi River where the season is March 15 through May 15 and September 15 through December 15. (4) Length Limits: All paddlefish less than thirty-two inches (32") in body length, measured from the eye to the fork of the tail, must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught, except— (A) On Lake of the Ozarks and its tributaries, Table Rock Lake and its tributaries, and Harry S. Truman Reservoir and its tributaries, all paddlefish less than thirty-four inches (34") in body length, measured from the eye to the fork of the tail, must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. (5) Extracted paddlefish eggs may not be possessed while on waters of the state or adjacent banks and may not be transported. Paddlefish eggs may not be bought, sold, or offered for sale. (6) Paddlefish, or parts thereof (including eggs), may not be used for bait. (7) Paddlefish may not be possessed on the water or adjacent banks from Harry S. Truman Dam downstream throughout the no-boating zone and the Little Platte River from Smithville Dam downstream to U.S. Highway 169. (8) On Lake of the Ozarks and its tributaries, Osage River below U.S. Highway 54, Table Rock Lake, and Harry S. Truman Reservoir and its tributaries, no person shall continue to snag, snare, or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of two (2) paddlefish. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed June 13, 1994, effective Jan. 1, 1995. Amended: Filed May 30, 1995, effective Jan. 1, 1996. Amended: Filed Dec. 20, 1995, effective May 30, 1996. Amended: Filed May 10, 1999, effective March 1, 2000. Amended: Filed April 24, 2000, effective March 1, 2001. Amended: Filed April 30, 2001, effective March 1, 2002. Amended: Filed July 2, 2002, effective Dec. 30, 2002. Amended: Filed Oct. 9, 2003, effective March 30, 2004. Amended: Filed Sept. 29, 2004, effective Feb. 28, 2005. Amended: Filed Oct. 2, 2006, effective Feb. 28, 2007. Amended: Filed Sept. 30, 2010, effective March 1, 2011. Amended: Filed Aug. 27, 2021, effective Feb. 28, 2022. *Original authority: 252.040, RSMo 1945, amended 1989.