October 2022 • Nebraskaland 33
anglers entering the permit lottery
but not participating during the
snagging season, Game and Parks
began charging a $5 application fee
in 2003. Prior to the 2007 season, the
$5 application fee was waived and
successful applicants purchased a
permit ($20 for residents and $40 for
non-residents).
The current permit structure was
adopted in 2016, with a $7 application
fee and permits costing $26 for
residents and $50 for non-residents.
The present management objective
remains at an annual harvest of 1,600
fish, 800 per state. Nebraska issues
1,600 snagging permits, expecting
the success rate will be around 50
percent. Fisheries biologists from
both states continue to work together
to manage the fishery and the
harvest objectives.
Paddlefish snagging is a unique
fishing opportunity, and recreational
fishing is limited to a few Midwestern
states: Montana, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and
Missouri. Whether you're interested in
experiencing this unique fishing
experience, enjoy eating paddlefish or
spending outdoor time with family
and friends, snagging is hard work, so
be prepared if you ever decide to cast a
line for paddlefish.
N
Kirk Steffensen is the Missouri River
program manager for the Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission. He has
worked on the Missouri River for more
than 20 years.
Yancy Krol of Osceola, Nebraska, snags a paddlefish near
Gavins Point Dam.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
