October 2022 • Nebraskaland 29
large, free-flowing rivers, backwaters
and oxbow lakes. They are extremely
mobile, capable of moving thousands
of miles between major river systems.
In Nebraska, paddlefish are found in
the mainstem Missouri River and the
lower reaches of larger tributaries,
including the Platte River, with the
greatest numbers found in the lower
unchannelized reach between Gavins
Point Dam and Sioux City.
This highly sought-after fish is
generally regarded as tasty among
anglers, but commercial fishermen
are mostly after the female's eggs,
or roe, which is processed into
caviar. Paddlefish roe has become
more desirable since the collapse of
the Caspian Sea sturgeon market,
primarily from beluga sturgeon (Huso
huso) and other sturgeon, including
the kaluga, Ossetra, sevruga, sterlet
and Siberian sturgeons, and paddlefish
fisheries. Labeled as American
paddlefish caviar, the product can
exceed $400 per pound. Although
commercial fishing for paddlefish
is illegal in Nebraska, the practice
remains open in several other states.
In our part of the Missouri River,
Paddlefish are filter feeders, using their large mouths to filter microscopic plankton out of the water.
Conventional fishing methods of baiting are ineffective on paddlefish.
ALEX WILES MEDIA